Signe Renee Watson

Signe Renee Watson, 74, of East Lansing died peacefully at the hospital on Sunday, February 6, 2022, with her husband of 38 years, Charles, by her side. A beautiful person to the very end, Signe had an extensive struggle with depression and self-neglect that caused her to reject the love and fear the medical care that could have helped her.

Signe was born on Mother’s Day, May 11th, 1947 in Stockbridge, Michigan to Maxine and J.C. Nelson. The daughter of a dairy farmer and a teacher, Signe grew up playing barefoot in the fields of White Oak Township with her brothers. She spent many summers in Douglas, Michigan working with her cousins at her aunt’s restaurant. She was a hardworking and outgoing young woman, a cheerleader who was co-valedictorian of her class at Dansville High School. She went on to study Social Science in the honors college at Michigan State University and earned a Master of Arts in Geography at MSU in 1971.

Signe had a huge heart and loved learning. She studied Swahili and Yoruba while at MSU and made several trips to Africa and Europe as a young adult. She met her future husband in her parent’s kitchen when Charles was visiting the family farm with her younger brother Rodney. Signe and Charles were friends for several years before marrying in 1983. They continued her family’s tradition of hosting international students at their home in East Lansing.

Signe worked as an analyst at the Department of Social Services for the State of Michigan. She retired early to dedicate her time to being a mother. She was the most whole-hearted and loving mother to her daughter. The family continued to travel, visiting friends in Tunisia, traveling by car and train across the US to many National Parks, and camping throughout Michigan. She was a volunteer at Community Volunteers for International Programs at MSU, the East Lansing Public Library, and a member of Edgewood United Church.

Signe is survived by many loving friends and family including her husband Charles, daughter Callista (Eddie) Belles, brother Larry Nelson, brother Rodney Nelson, mother-in-law Norma Menzel, grandson Edward, granddaughter Hazel, and close cousin Paula Wicks.

In her later years, Signe’s depression blocked the love of family and friends from reaching her. While she may not have expressed it often, please know that she retained fond memories and thoughts of those she loved to the very end. She loved everyone and was so loved. While the slow loss of Signe has been deeply felt for some time, our family is relieved that she is no longer suffering. The family intends to have an event in the spring to honor and remember the beautiful person that was Signe.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.greastlansing.com for the Watson family.