Joan J. Watson

Joan (Anderson) Watson 93, of Mason City, Iowa passed peacefully, Sunday, January 7, 2024, at the Good Shepherd Health Center surrounded by her family. A private family celebration of life will be held for Joan along with husband, Bob, in the spring.

Joan was born July 28, 1930, in Clarksville, Iowa to Elmer and Mildred (Spencer) Anderson. As a child growing up with two younger sisters, her family moved to various cities due to the depression. From Clarksville, they moved to Waterloo, IA; Chicago, IL; San Luis Obispo, CA; and Phoenix, AZ until her graduation from Mason City, IA. There she met Bob Watson at the First Methodist Youth Fellowship Group.  They were married August, 11, 1951.  Joan and Bob have four children; Jeane (Jon) McGinn, Kathy (Mac) McGillivray; Patti Ventrello, Bill (Kathy) Watson,  4 grandchildren, Meggan Redfield, Brandon Watson, Brock and Bob Watson plus 9 great-grandchildren, along with 2 sisters, Judy Papantonis and Pat (Norman) Pierce.

Joan had a full life being a mother first and foremost.  She worked at the NIACC Bookstore and Iowa Credit Union.  She also volunteered for many organizations over her lifetime; Mercy Gift Shop, as a docent at the Meredith Wilson house, election poll worker for many years, PTA, and was a lifetime member of the First Methodist Church and Circle. She had many hobbies and fun activities which were passed down to her children and grands. She loved cooking for her family and discovering new recipes, entertaining friends, gardening and watching the birds, golfing which she proudly had 2 holes in one, fishing with family, traveling to wonderful destinations, playing cards with friends, reading, crossword puzzles and especially spending time with family and friends.  Joan was known for her kindness, generosity, a classy dresser, creativity, making every holiday special and enjoying time with everyone she was close to.

Joan was preceded in death by her husband Robert (Bob), her parents and brother-in-law, Anthony Papantonis. We as a family wish to thank everyone who have been part of Joan’s life and have given her the love, support & friendship over her lifetime.  A special thank you to Good Shepherd and MercyOne Hospice for the loving care they gave to her and our family. She had a smile for everyone. She will be deeply missed, but we hold her memory and her love close in our hearts.