Gloria Lee Watson, 92, passed to her heavenly home on January 19, 2016, after a valiant battle with a long illness.
A passionate lover of dogs, Gloria rescued every abandoned dog that crossed her path. Even in her last days, her smile was the widest when her daughter’s dog would pay her daily visits.
Gloria loved to travel. Though her dream of traveling to China was never fulfilled, she spent many summers traversing the United States by van with her youngest daughter’s family.
Gloria was an avid dancer. From ballroom to line dancing, she loved to dance her weekend nights away with friends.
Gloria was born July 28, 1923, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Anne and Leonard DeFore. An only child, she grew up loving the outdoors even while living in the city. She married Simeon Watson in 1943 and had two daughters.
Gloria is survived by her daughters, Sally Altman (Michael) and Suzy Allen (Curt); her grandchildren Travis Altman, Jennie Altman, Melanie Holder (Donald), Sara Falch (Philip), Marti Hildebrand (John), Jesse Allen (Missee), Anne Allen, and Casey Allen (Lacie); and her great-grandchildren Lane Falch, Troy Hildebrand, Lilyetta Hildebrand, Emmett Hildebrand, Iestyn Allen, Aneirin Allen, and Claire Allen. She is preceded in death by her parents and husband.
Gloria’s memorial service will be at 1:00 p.m., Friday, January 22, at the Kutis Funeral Home on Gravois Boulevard in St. Louis, Missouri. Visitation will precede the service, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Cody Alley will officiate the service. Gloria will be laid to rest at the Valhalla Mausoleum in St. Louis.
Gloria was a long-time supporter of underprivileged children. In lieu of flowers, memorial funds can go to the New Life International Foundation for Children, a school for impoverished and orphaned children in Tanzania, Africa. Donations can be mailed to 3519 NE 15th Ave., Box 332, Portland, OR 97212.