Shirley A. Watson, age 82, of Monroe, went into the arms of her Savior on Wednesday, February 8, 2023, in her home, surrounded by her loving family.
Shirley was born March 5, 1940, in Tazewell, Tennessee. She was the daughter of Ralph Earl and Sally Arnold. The family moved to Monroe, MI when she was very young. She was raised by her mother and stepfather, Donald Boudrie. She married the love of her life, James E. "Ernie" Watson on August 26, 1961, in Monroe.
She was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith and attended St. Joseph Grade School then St. Mary Academy until the family moved before her senior year, where she graduated from Belleville High School in 1958. She and Ernie were members of St. Mary's Parish Church.
Shirley began her working career in 1959 where she was employed by Michigan Bell downtown Monroe. When that office closed, she was transferred to AT&T in Allen Park, MI. She retired from the phone company in 1994, to devote more time to her grandchildren.
Shirley's family and friends were the most important thing in her life. Her lifelong friendships were so special to her. Her friend group participated in "Club," a monthly social gathering that included dinner parties, trips to the casino, shopping excursions, and movie nights. She participated in monthly lunches with her SMA friend group and attended weekly lunch with the "golf girls".
Shirley's grandchildren were the joy of her life. She and Ernie were part of the village that raised their two grandchildren, Ally Rae and Jake. They cared for the grandkids from the time they were born and after the school day and during the summers. Shirley and Ernie enjoyed taking the kids on trips Up North and to Florida, where they had a home and spent the winters. Shirley was an avid reader and shared that love with both Ally and Jake. She loved attending the grandkid's school and sporting events, especially Jake's football career through college. Shirley and Ernie were loving and welcoming to all of Ally and Jake's friends, who also called them Grama and Papa. They even loved hosting sleepovers for the grandkids and their friends.
She is survived by her beloved husband of 61 years, Ernie; two loving daughters, Kelly (Matthew) Notario and Kim Watson both of Monroe; two grandchildren, Ally Rae (Grant) Flinski of Grand Rapids, MI and Jake Notario; two great grandchildren, Remi Isabelle and Axl James Flinski; a brother, Larry Boudrie; honorary children, Stephen (Randall Hudson) Harvey, Joanne (Dennis) Ryan, Colleen (Don) Parisot and honorary grandchildren Alexa (Alex) Russo and Destiney (Kris) Shaw and five honorary great granddaughters.
Shirley is preceded in death by her parents, and a brother, Gary Boudrie.
Visitation will be held from 2 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, February 14, 2023 at Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Road, Monroe, where funeral services celebrating Shirley's life will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, February 15, 2023. Deacon Michael Stewart will officiate. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Shirley's honor to ProMedica Hospice, or a charity of the donor's choice.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com .