Joann M. Watson, 92

Joann Marie (née Meade) Watson, 92, of Hill, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2025. Born June 5, 1932, in Detroit, Michigan, to Ivan D. and Eleanor Meade, Joann lived a life filled with family, faith and service.

A graduate of Cass Tech High School in Detroit (1950), Joann began her career at the Royal Oak Tribune before marrying William F. Watson in October of 1952 and starting her family. In 1973, she relocated to Hill, where she worked in the guidance office at Franklin High School and later served as a legal secretary for several local law firms.

Joann welcomed her mother Eleanor to live with them in 1995 after the passing of her father Ivan. In his final years, she became a devoted caregiver to her husband Bill during his battle with kidney failure. Her steadfast faith was evident in her active membership at Hill Village Bible Church, where she played the organ, until declining health limited her participation.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, William F. Watson; her parents; four brothers, Eugene, Marvin (Korea), Nelson and Alan; and her son-in-law, Charles Stein.

Joann is survived by her brother Roger (Joann) Meade and sister Sandra Grudzen, all of Michigan; her children Leslie Watson Stein of Fairfax, Virginia, William M. Watson (Mary) of Chase, Michigan, Patricia Watson of Arlington, Virginia, Robert M. Watson (Nancy) of Bristol, and Charles Watson of Laconia; grandchildren Megan Harker, Kelsey Maxwell, Robert S. Watson, Katie Mapes and Taylor Watson; and eight great-grandchildren Brady, Connor and Reagan Harker, Violet and Jaymee Maxwell, Donovan, William and Natalie Mapes. To her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she was lovingly known as "Noni."

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Merrimack County Nursing Home and Brookhaven Hospice for their compassionate care.

A visitation at the Hill Village Bible Church will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, March 29. A short service will follow at 11 a.m. with a time for fellowship and light refreshments afterwards. A graveside service will be at 11 a.m on Saturday, June 7, at the Bunker Hill Cemetery in Hill Center.

Despite battling with dementia, Joann had unwavering faith in her Lord Jesus Christ and has gone home to be with her savior in Heaven.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Hill Village Bible Church, 36 Crescent St., Hill, NH 03243, and/or the Hill Historical Society, P.O. Box 213, Hill, NH 03243.

The Smart Memorial Home is handling arrangements. For more information or to leave the family an online condolence, visit smartmemorialhome.com.