Elinor Watson - Memorial Page

Obituary

Elinor Watson, age 77, passed away on April 17, 2023, in Colorado, the state she loved. She was born on April 3, 1946, in New York, New York to Alfred and Frances Cahen. Ellie was a graduate of The University of Colorado Boulder, class of 1968 and you could find her most Saturdays in the fall with her family and friends watching her beloved CU Buffaloes football team at Folsom Field. Ellie’s first job out of college was as a social worker in Colorado Springs. There she met her future husband, Jim Watson, and the two created countless memories with many great friends. Jim and Ellie were married in Scarsdale, NY on June 24, 1972. Her lifetime hobbies were sailing, skiing, watching sports, and volunteering. Sailing was a lifelong passion for her and Jim. From lakes in Texas, to the San Francisco Bay, to the Caribbean, to the mountain lakes of Colorado, Ellie enjoyed the time she spent teaching and sharing her passion for sailing. Ellie was also a consummate volunteer and she enjoyed the camaraderie, higher purpose, and impact she could share with others. Some of her lifelong endeavors included scouting, Easter Seals, multiple high school activities and sports for her children and grandchildren, the Breckenridge Historical Society, and the Coast Guard Auxiliary with 27 years of service. Ellie will be remembered for her kindness, making people feel welcome, her philanthropic spirit, and as a friend, wife, mother, and grandmother. Her spirit of caring had an impact in everything she did. Ellie is survived by her husband Jim, her sister Marian (Roger), her two sons Chad (Kristen) and Chris (Sara), her grandchildren Camden, Lily, Nick, Braden, and Gracie, and dog Roxie who all loved her deeply and will miss her greatly.

Family and friends whose lives she touched are invited to celebrate her life at Colorado National Golf Club, 2700 Vista Parkway, Erie, CO 80516 on Sunday, April 30th from 1-4pm.

Please use the RSVP on this site and let us know if you can join us in celebrating Ellie’s life.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Foundation or the American Diabetes Association.

https://www.coloradonationalgolfclub.com/

Hotels closest to event:

https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/denan-aloft-denver-north-westminster/overview/

https://www.woodspring.com/extended-stay-hotels/locations/colorado/thornton/woodspring-suites-thornton-north-denver

Boulder hotels:

https://www.millenniumhotels.com/en/boulder/millennium-harvest-house-boulder/

https://www.guestreservations.com/hyatt-place-boulderpearl-street/booking

https://www.boulderado.com/

Services

Memorial Service (In-Person)

Sunday, April 30, 2023, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Mountain Time

2700 Vista Parkway, Erie, CO 80516

Come celebrate Ellie’s life with us at the main hall of the Colorado National Golf Club. Light food, drinks, and good memories for all.

Memories and Condolences

Please share a photo or video, or post a heartfelt condolence to the family.

Jim, Gracie, Ellie

A dedicated and loyal crew member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary

Ellie and Marian, 2022

Penny and Ellie

50 years

Celebrating 50 years in 2022.

Jim and Ellie's 50th Wedding Anniversary, 2022

Camden's Birthday 2022

Nana and her girls celebrating Camden's birthday with afternoon tea, 2022.

Best cheering squad around, 2022.

Celebrating Camden's Graduation, 2022

Celebrating Jim's Birthday, Gold Hill Inn 2022

Brady's Wrestling Match, 2021

Christmas 2021

2021

Faithful Fans 2021

Proud Nana at Lily's Induction into the National Honor Society, 2021.

2021

Sisters, 2021

Celebrating Aliza's Wedding, Washington DC, 2021

Chris and Ellie, DC, 2021

Crystal Lake Yacht Club, 2021

Crystal Lake Michigan, 2021

Elberta, Michigan 2021

Jim's Birthday Celebration, Gold Hill Inn, 2021

2021

Christmas Eve 2020

Thanksgiving 2020

2020

At the helm in 2020.

Heading out for a sail in 2020.

2020

Celebrating Camden's Birthday 2020

Ellie cheering Brady on at a wrestling match (straight from a Coast Guard Auxiliary event). 2020

Joy 2019

Christmas 2019, Watson Favorite Pastime ~ Playing Telephone

Celebrating Chris's Birthday 2019

CU Football Game 2019

Sko Buffs! 2019

Ellie, Lily, and Brady 2019

2019

Nana, Papa, and Lily 2004 The Stork Has Arrived!

Watson Family Skiing at Breckenridge 2018

Christmas 2018

Celebrating Lily's Birthday at the Melting Pot 2018

Halloween 2018

Jim and Ellie 2018

Celebrating Chris's Birthday 2018

2018

Celebrating Jim and Ellie's Anniversary 2018

Cruising the Mediterranean 2018

Rome 2018

Arch of Constantine, Rome 2018

At the Colosseum 2018

Rome 2018

2017

Celebrating Ellie's niece, Maura's, wedding. 2017

Two Generations of CU Grads

Nick, Nana, and Brady Tailgating 2017

CU Game 2017

Empire Bluff, Michigan 2017

Easter 2017

Nana's Birthday 2017

Christmas Lunch with the Slater Family, 2016

Papa, Brady, and Nana 2016

Casa Bonita 2016

Who's Taller? 2016

Miami 2016

Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge 2015

The Bahamas 2015

Christmas 2014

Sailing on Lake Dillon 2014

Christmas 2013

Brady and Nana Christmas Eve on the Slopes 2013

Thanksgiving 2013

Ellie, Kristen, and Sara

2013

4th of July 2013

2013

Always happiest on a boat.

Point Betsie, Frankfort, Michigan 2013

Nana and Papa with Camden, Gracie, and Nick 2013

Celebrating Jim's Birthday, 2013

Celebrating Nana's Birthday in Saint Martin, 2013

Sailing on Last Tango 2013

Saint Martin 2013

Jim and Ellie 2012

Christmas 2012

The Gold Hill Inn, 2012

Nana sailing with Brady, 2012.

Nana, Lily, and Brady

Ellie was happiest surrounded by her family. Stamm Wedding 2012

The Watson Family at Ellie's Nephew Jason's Wedding, 2012

Marian and Ellie, 2012

Nana, Brady, and Lily

40 Years of Marriage

Jim, Ellie, Chad, and Chris

Jim and Ellie's 40th Anniversary Celebration

Celebrating Jim and Ellie's 40th Anniversary

Lily and Nana 2012

Martha, Jim, Ellie, and Mark 2012

Nana and Brady 2012

Nana and Gracie 2012

Mother's Day 2012

I spoke with Ellie at many Coast Guard Auxiliary events and she was just a treasure to be around and interact with. She made me feel welcome and always had an engaging story about sailing or her experiences. She brought joy and laughter to each and every conversation. I am so sorry for your loss, she will be missed.

Condolence

Very sorry to hear about the loss of your dear mother. I didn’t have the pleasure of knowing her but she seemed like a wonderful lady and full of life. My heartfelt condolences to you and the whole family during this time of mourning. George

Condolence

I knew Ellie through the Coast Guard Auxiliary. She was a wonderful, enthusiastic, member of our flotilla - with great sailing stories and humor. She will be missed!

Condolence

Life is all the more beautiful for knowing your beloved wife. I would sometimes join her on her morning walks. She was a true treasure. You have our deepest condolences.

Condolence

Obituary

Services

Memorial Service (In-Person)

Memories and Condolences

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