Mary Elizabeth Watts-Schille

Mary was born on February 18, 1963, in Okinawa, Japan, to Nancy Hunter Watts and Major General David E. Watts. As the daughter of a military family, she spent her childhood living in various locations throughout the United States and abroad, including Heidelberg, Germany. These experiences helped shape Mary's warm, accepting nature and her ability to connect with people from all walks of life.

In September 2005, Mary found her life partner and greatest companion, Joseph Wiesen, with whom she shared more than two decades of love, friendship, and devotion. She was a proud Florida State Certified Dental Assistant and dedicated many years of service to the dental profession, including her work alongside Dr. Douglas Genninger. Her gentle manner, infectious smile, and genuine concern for others made her beloved by patients and colleagues alike.

Mary's commitment to helping others extended far beyond her profession. She was actively involved in community nonprofit dental outreach programs and was a devoted member of a 12-step recovery fellowship for more than 22 years. Through countless acts of kindness, encouragement, and service, she gave not only her time but also a piece of her heart to those who were suffering, struggling, or simply in need of a friend.

Nothing brought Mary more joy than caring for people. She adored children, especially her two sons, but her love knew no boundaries. Neighborhood children often found a safe and welcoming place in her home, where they could count on being fed, encouraged, and loved. Whether for a night or much longer, Mary made every child feel important and cherished.

Mary also possessed a special compassion for the elderly, particularly veterans. Family and friends often found themselves asking, "Where did Mary go?" only to discover her sitting with an older person at a gathering, listening intently to their stories and making them feel seen and valued. Likewise, if she could not be found at an event, she was often nearby engaging with infants and toddlers, delighting in their innocence, curiosity, and wonder.

Her kindness extended even to strangers. Whether shopping at the local Publix or attending an upscale resort, Mary had a remarkable ability to recognize former dental patients. She would often approach them with a smile, asking them to tilt back their heads so she could admire the work she had helped provide years earlier. Her memory for faces was legendary, and she never seemed to miss a trick.

Mary possessed a rare gift: the ability to love and accept people exactly as they were. She combined that gift with wisdom, beauty, grace, strength, and a wonderfully wicked sense of humor. While her kindness was endless, those who knew her well also understood that she was not someone to be underestimated. She stood firmly for what she believed, protected those she loved, and uplifted everyone fortunate enough to cross her path.

Mary was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Nancy Hunter Watts and Major General David E. Watts, and by her brother, David Watts, who was her closest childhood companion and lifelong friend.

She is survived by her devoted life partner, Joseph Wiesen; her son Colin Schille and daughter-in-law Cheyenne Schille; grandchildren Freya, Liam, and Amelia; her son Ian Schille; daughter-in-law Alicia Stevenson and her husband Brian; grandchildren Remi, Hailey, and Bradlee; sister Carrie Watts-Monaghan; and brothers Christopher Watts, Bruce Watts, and Mathew Watts, along with many extended family members, friends, colleagues, and loved ones whose lives were touched by her compassion and generosity.

Mary's legacy is not measured by titles, possessions, or accomplishments, but by the countless people she loved, comforted, encouraged, and inspired. Her smile, laughter, and unwavering belief in the goodness of others will remain in the hearts of all who knew her.

Though she has left this earth, the kindness she shared continues to live on through the many lives she changed. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

"Those we love don't go away. They walk beside us every day, unseen, unheard, but always near; still loved, still missed, and very dear."

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