MARY JACQUELINE HAMMOND WATSON

MARY JACQUELINE HAMMOND WATSON
April 8, 1921 – December 28, 2012

Mary Jacqueline (Jackie) Hammond Watson of Corona Del Mar passed away peacefully on December 28, 2012 after a short bout with lung cancer. She was determined to celebrate Christmas with her family who came from as far away as the South Pacific. She succeeded, celebrating Christmas with her sons, daughters-in-law, and four of her six grandchildren. Jackie joined her beloved Jess on Friday morning, December 28, surrounded by family members.
Jackie was born in Santa Barbara, CA to Albert J. and Aimee P. Hammond. She was raised in Santa Maria until about the age of 10 when she moved with her family to Glendale, CA. A graduate of Hoover High School, she attended UCLA where she graduated with a degree in Finance in 1943.
Jackie married Jess D. (Watty) Watson on August 21, 1946 and settled in Glendale. They relocated to Orange County in the early ‘70’s and called Corona Del Mar their home since 1987. Jackie and Jess remained married for 62 years until Jess’s passing in early 2009.
Jackie chose being a mother and housewife over a career. In addition to her family, she enjoyed playing golf, traveling, summers at the beach, reading and her garden. She remained active in a book club through 2012. Jackie was also a longtime member of the “Bridge Club,” a group of 12 women who began meeting monthly in the late 40’s and didn’t play bridge for more than two years, but continued to meet to share stories of the children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Jackie was a loyal and loving wife to Jess. She provided continuous care for him as he slowly succumbed to Alzheimer’s Disease four years ago. She was also a wonderful mother and grandmother to her three sons and six grandchildren. She attended Colby Watson’s CDM water polo games through the 2012 season and enjoyed weekly lunches with one or more of her grandkids. All three of her sons credit Jackie with being a solid influence by demonstrating integrity, compassion, fairness, and unconditional love.
Jackie Watson is survived by her sons Steve of Pago Pago, American Samoa; Dan of Mammoth Lakes, CA; James (Watty) of Newport Beach; their wives Debra, Kathy, and Kimmy; grandchildren Tom Watson, Melissa Watson Smith, Chase Watson; Painu’ulasi Leilua Willis Watson, Chrissy Watson, and Colby Watson; and great-grandchildren Kieley Hicks, Kasey Watson, and Addison Smith.
Funeral arrangements were private.