Jill Juli Watson

WATSON, Jill Juli (Sliva) Age 60 of Sudbury, MA and formerly of Bessemer, MI, passed peacefully while surrounded by her family on June 17th, 2026.

Jill was born on December 13, 1965 to Marjorie and the late Ward Sliva. She was a graduate of A.D. Johnston High School in Bessemer, MI, where she was the varsity cheerleading captain. Jill was a talented writer and loved to read, which inspired her to receive a Bachelor of Arts in English from Michigan State University.

Shortly after graduation, she relocated to the Boston area. Jill completed her graduate certificate in technical writing at Boston University and combined with her talent and outstanding work ethic, became a leader in the software industry for 35 years.

Jill Juli aka “mama” adored and fiercely loved her three daughters, volunteering in their schools, supporting and cheering them on in activities, their college studies, and everyday life.

Marco Island, Florida was her happy place, filled with many family vacations, fishing trips, and walks along the beach. It was the beautiful location for the marriage to her loving husband, William “Bill” Watson.

An accomplished cook and foodie, she easily crafted meals for everyday, entertaining family holidays, and fun dinner parties with friends. Jill’s passion for gardening, particularly her prized tomatoes, enhanced and elevated everything she created.

Jill was an avid sports fan, particularly for college football. If the Michigan State Spartans basketball or football were on, you would find her watching the game and cheering throughout, decked out in green and white.

Jill enjoyed skiing and running and rarely missed the Sudbury 4th of July Road Race. She loved to travel and enjoyed many adventures throughout Europe, Canada, and the United States. She had a true passion for life and always encouraged everyone to “dance while you can dance.” She lived every day with gratitude, finding silver linings in life’s big and little events.

Jill was passionate about her faith, family and friends, and cared deeply for her country. She carried herself with a brilliant sense of humor, amazing style, an immeasurable amount of strength, and a deep wellspring of kindness. Jill will be remembered for her selflessness, her unwavering courage, and her love for her family and friends. Her humor, quick wit, wisdom, and love were gifts to everyone who knew her.

Jill is survived by her loving husband, Bill Watson; her daughters Jessica Joy Puopolo, Kimberly Susanne Puopolo, Melissa Marjorie Puopolo; her mother Marjorie Sliva; brother Dennis (Miki) Sliva; sister Joy (Nick) Jacobs; brother-in-law Philip Tisdall; nieces and nephews, Abigail, Sarah, Adam, Alex, Mark, Jack, April, Neil, Timothy, Maria; and former spouse and father of her children John Puopolo. She is predeceased by her loving father Ward Sliva and sister Holly Tisdall.

Visitation will be held on Friday, June 26th from 4-7pm at Duckett Funeral Home, 657 Boston Post Road, Sudbury, MA 01776. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10am on Saturday, June 27th, at Our Lady of Fatima Church (Ascension Parish), 160 Concord Road, Sudbury, MA 01776. Rite of Committal and Internment will take place at Hillcrest Cemetery in Bessemer, MI at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jill’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. The family sends a special thank you to her Oncology team at MGH.