Marilyn Watson

It’s with a heavy, yet loving heart that we relay the passing of our mother Marilyn Jean Rasmussen Watson on Sunday August 21st, 2022.

Born Dec. 17th, 1926 in Chicago IL, she was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Peter Phelps Watson and her younger brother Robert Rasmussen.   Marilyn is survived by her three children, Bill Watson, Dede Banks and her partner Joe Jacob, and Janet Watson and her husband Peter Craddock, along with their daughter, Maddie Craddock.

Both of her parents, Mary Hansen and Robert Rasmussen were Danish immigrants and landed in Chicago although Marilyn called Denver her home since 1950 living in Washington Park for 32 years, then Belcaro and Bonnie Brae. Her mother, Mary Rasmussen was the first violin for the Chicago Women’s Orchestra, traveling the world performing and Marilyn became the little orchestra’s mascot  studying violin and piano from the best.  Born with perfect pitch, she was a classical pianist and to the end enjoyed the Berlin Philharmonic.

Wanting to be a pilot, (forbidden for women at the time) she graduated from the University of Denver in 1948 with degrees in English and Airline Transportation. Marilyn was a stewardess for the budding United Airlines in the late 1940’s, where she met Pete and married soon thereafter. In 1985, with her family grown, she followed her passions and went back and attained another degree, this time from the University of CO in Psychology, so as to study geriatrics. Marilyn was a prolific gardener, always supported her children’s interests and became an exercise fan in her later years.

The kindness and compassion she shared for all will be cherished as she truly would not say a bad word.  Volunteering for the Campfire girls, the American Cancer Society and donating to as many animal organizations as possible kept her busy. When she rescued stray dogs, many had to be returned to the neighbors, yet we raised quite a few.  She always had a smile stemming from a compassionate, loving heart, which graced her sweet face for anyone who crossed her path. She was our angel.

A big heartfelt thanks to her caregivers and the wonderful people at Berkley Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Max Fund, https://www.maxfund.org or the Wildlife  Animal Sanctuary https://www.wildanimalsanctuary.org as rescuing, nurturing and loving all animals was a passion of hers.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Please share memories of Marilyn and condolences with her family by signing the Tribute Wall above.