Obituary of Claire W. Watson

Claire Warner Watson, 90, of LaFayette peacefully passed away at her home on August 19, 2021. The daughter of the late Louis Olin and Esther (Frier) Warner, Claire was one of ten children who grew up with strong family values and a dedicated work ethic.

Claire loved spending hours preparing meals and baking delicious pies and biscuits. Surrounded by children and grandchildren, her kitchen became a school for cooking and life’s lessons. Family meals were often followed with a game of Pitch, where she would proudly flash a smile as she threw down a winning hand. Claire’s strong work ethic and passion for nurturing led to the founding of three successful businesses, LaFayette Nursery School, Watson Sugarbush, and Watson Greenhouse and Landscaping- later known as Carol Watson Greenhouse. She used her talent for nurturing to inspire young children and to grow healthy plants with love. The greenhouse was one of her greatest achievements which earned her the nickname of “Mother of Thousands”.

Claire was loved by many including the greenhouse staff and customers. She had a strong faith and was an Elder and Deacon of the LaFayette Columbian Presbyterian Church. She was also an Elder of the Marcellus First Presbyterian Church. Claire taught Church School and attended services for several years at both churches. In addition, Claire was a 4H leader teaching cooking and sewing.

Claire is predeceased by her beloved husband Robert C. (Doc) Watson. She is survived by: her children, Gregory R. Watson, Carol Watson Hickes, Janice Watson (Dennis Smith), and Kurt W. Watson (Mary Lou) all from LaFayette; grandchildren, Lisa Watson Chapman (Joseph Nolan), Heather Watson (James Meyers), Jonathan Watson, Brandon and Abigail Oot, three great grandchildren; as well as her sisters, Alice Shute, Ruth Pierce, and Helen Shute; and brother R. Loren Warner, all of LaFayette.

A very special thanks to Claire’s caregivers who cared for her with devotion and love.

Calling hours will be held Tuesday, August 24th, from 2 - 8 pm at Carol Watson Greenhouse, 2980 Sentinel Heights Road, LaFayette, New York 13084. A Memorial Service will be at 3 pm Wednesday, August 25th at the Columbian Presbyterian Church, Route 20, LaFayette. Burial will be private.

Memorial donations in Claire's name may be made to: LaFayette Columbian Presbyterian Church, Route 20, LaFayette, NY 13084; or to a charity of your choice.

To honor Claire’s passing the greenhouse will be closed for business on Tuesday August 24th.

To have a memorial tree planted in an area of need in honor of Claire, or to send flowers for services, please use the Send Flowers link to the left. To light a memorial candle, or leave an online condolence for Claire's family, please visit her Tribute Wall.