Elsa Constance Watson

On February 7th, 2018, Elsa Constance (Coito) Watson passed away peacefully after a long illness, in San Diego, CA; she was 84 years old. Born in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, Elsa was the second youngest child of 8 of Portuguese immigrants and raised by her widowed mother and 7 siblings. At 21 years old she met and married Raymond L. Watson, the love of her life, in Stockton, California. She and Ray raised four children in their Newport Beach home where they lived most of their 58 years together until Ray's passing in 2012. As best friends and constant companions, she enjoyed spending time with Ray more than with anyone else and nurtured their family with all the love she learned from her 5 brothers and 2 sisters. Elsa took great pride in the children she and Ray raised in their loving partnership, as well as in their 10 grandchildren. Elsa enjoyed playing tennis and snow skiing, and loved watching the Lakers play basketball, never missing a game on TV where she would hoot and holler as Chick Hearn called the game. But her favorite pastime was getting on the floor and playing with her grandchildren. Her easy style and constant grace were an inspiration to her children and many friends.

Elsa is survived by her two daughters; Kathy Ann-Watson Godwin (and Bill Godwin), Lisa Watson Lambert (and Michael Lambert), two sons; Bryan Watson (and Lisa Hafer Watson), David Watson (and Julie King Watson), 10 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. The family is planning a private burial, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association (ALZ.org).