Deborah Watson
September 29, 1920 — June 7, 2013
Deborah “Debbie” Watson, 92 of Barrington, passed peacefully on June 7, 2013 at the Lutheran Home in Arlington Heights, IL.
Debbie was born on September 29, 1920 to Dowell and Mildred Durbin of Sublette, IL. She met her husband, Richard M. Watson at Barrington High School. They were wed just at the outbreak of WWII, in which Richard served as an officer in the US Navy. They celebrated their 50th Anniversary shortly before his death in 1994. Debbie’s sister, Patricia McAdoo, also preceded her in death.
Debbie is survived by her two sons, Richard (married to the late Peggy) Watson and Craig Watson, who together gave Debbie four grandchildren whom she loved very much: Heather (Chad) Miller, Kelly (Matt) Durocher, Keri Ann (Jeff) Last and Scott Watson (engaged to Ashley Pinarija). Debbie was also blessed with four great grandchildren, whom she adored: Ethan and Lauren Miller and Brayden and Morgan Durocher.
Debbie moved to Barrington in 1930, where she lived a vibrant and social life alongside Richard, who was an executive for Montgomery Ward. Debbie graduated from Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri in 1941 and received her bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University in 1943 where she was a member of the Delta Gamma Sorority. As a young person she was a member of the Girl Scouts of America and later, in 1947, became the President of the Jr. Board for the Infant Welfare Society. Debbie taught elementary school from 1967 until 1980 at the Algonquin Elementary School in Fox River Grove, IL.
A private burial service will be held at Evergreen Cemetery, Barrington, IL. A memorial visitation will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights on June 28th, at 10:30 – 11:30 a.m., with a memorial service immediately following at 11:30 a.m.
Memorial donations in Debbie’s name may be made to: American Cancer Society, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1200, Chicago, IL 60601-7654, American Heart Association, 3816 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, IL 60674-0001, or Journeycare Foundation, 405 Lake Zurich Rd., Barrington, IL 60010