Cathy was born February 27, 1971, in Chicago, IL, the daughter of William D. and Marilyn A. Cumming Schlaiss. She married Michael “Mike” Eric Watson on June 21, 1999, in Decatur, IL.
Cathy went to elementary school at Anne Fox and graduated from Hoffman Estates High School in 1989. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University Carbondale in social studies and her master’s degree from the University of Illinois in education. Cathy proudly served her country in the United State Marine Corps from 1991 to 1996 where she served as a marine security guard at the NATO headquarters in Belgium and also served at the embassy in Bonn, Germany. In 2000, she began teaching social studies at Southeast High School, where she sponsored their schools Key Club. Cathy retired from teaching in 2022. She was an active member of the Central Baptist Church, where she volunteered by delivering Thanksgiving meals. Cathy was also a scout leader for the Boy Scouts of America. She enjoyed nature, hiking, camping, and photography.
She is preceded in death by her father; and stepmother, Sandy Schlaiss.
Cathy is survived by her husband, Mike Watson; son, Kallen Watson; daughter, Corren Watson; and siblings, Scott Schlaiss, Marc Schlaiss, Tony Priami, and Frank Priami.
Cremation was provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center.
Memorial Gathering: Family will receive friends from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield, IL.
Burial will be held at Camp Butler National Cemetery at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, May 17, 2024 with military honors provided by the Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County and the Department of Defense.
Memorial contributions may be made to any local VA home, Boy Scouts of America, or Girl Scouts of America.
