Shirley N. Watson's Obituary
Shirley Watson, 94, passed away peacefully in her sleep on December 23, 2025. She was born in Trinidad Colorado to Edward and Helen Hainlen. She lived a life filled with adventure, creativity, and unwavering love for those around her.
Mom married Glen McBride in 1950. From that union Gene, David, Karyl and Steven were born. Glen passed away on March 2, 1960. She met the Marine across the street in 1962 and they married. She was a devoted wife to Douglas Watson for 54 years, and a cherished mother to Gene (Nancy), David (Kellie), Karyl Morris (Jeff) and Steven (Caron) Watson.
She was preceded in death by her son Steven, her parents and her beloved husband Doug.
Mom was proud to be the executive secretary for Oceanside California School District Superintendent for over 20 years. However, Mom’s real business expertise was buying and selling homes and properties, and with that accumulated wealth, Mom and Dad were able to shift gears and travel all across America and visit every relative, friend and Wisconsin Lutheran Church they could in the continental United States!
Mom’s adventure spirit, warm laughter, and ability to make everyone feel welcome and loved will be missed but forever remembered.
Mom’s funeral will be held on January 3, 2026. There will be a viewing at 9:30am and funeral service will follow at 11am located at Ascension Lutheran Church, 1140 N. Midway Drive, Escondido, CA 92027
Her Greatest legacy is her grandchildren and Great grandchildren:
Andrew (Jamie) Watson and their children Hazel and Bianca
Matthew Watson (Jacquie) and their children Mia and Josie
Nathan (Danielle) Morris and their children Justin, Lilliane and Brianne
Jeremy (Kristin) Morris and their children Austin, Madison, Sophie, Liam and Kinsley
Joshua (Lindsey) Morris and coming soon Helaina
Michael (Becky) Watson and their daughter Bonnie
Megan (Jacob) Haag and their children Charlotte, Clara and Colin
Molly (Philip) Chung
Paul Watson
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the California Lutheran High School, 31970 Wildomar Trail, Wildomar, CA 92595 and/or Ascension Lutheran Church which were very close to Shirley’s heart.
What’s your fondest memory of Shirley?
What’s a lesson you learned from Shirley?
Share a story where Shirley's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Shirley you’ll never forget.
How did Shirley make you smile?
