Barbara Watson

Barbara Watson

February 20, 1941 – June 16, 2020

Barbara Watson, 79, of Roslyn & East Meadow passed away on June 16, 2020 at her home in East Meadow. She was born in the Bronx to Toby & Bill Gunn in 1941 and then moved to Baldwin, NY. A few years later she would be the big sister to Larry & Charles. Barbara contracted polio as a child and her mother was told that Barbara would never walk. With the love, strength & persistence of her determined mother and family, she walked, danced and grew up strong to be an amazing mother to Rochelle (1963-2009) and Jarrie (1967-present). As they grew up, she never missed a concert, sporting event, recognition ceremony or celebration. Her children were always the center point of her life.

She had a career in sales where we always said “She could sell snow in Alaska!” Along the way in her career she became friends with some amazing women who will miss her dearly, including her best friend in Florida, Rolene, who she spoke with every single day no matter the distance or circumstances.

Anyone blessed to know Barbara knew how outspoken and honest she was. You always knew where you stood with her. She came from a long line of strong women before it was popular to BE a strong woman. Her strength overcoming obstacles in her life was passed down to her daughters and grandchildren. There’s a little bit of “Barbara” in all of us.

She is survived by her daughter Jarrie, her “adopted” daughter Iris, her grandchildren Lindsey, Taylor, Lauren, Alanna, Aaron, Leah, Gavin,Reed, Isabella, her sons-in-law Marc and Jeff, and Gabriella who only knew her as “Grama Barbara”. She was also a great-grandma to Reese and Steven.

A private memorial service will be held due to Covid-19.

Due to the pandemic, entrance to the funeral home will require wearing a mask, social distancing restrictions and a 25-person limit in the building at any one time.

In lieu of flowers, please honor Barbara by making a memorial donation to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

http://giftfunds.stjude.org/Barbara_Watson