Joanne Minette Watson

Joanne was born on January 10, 1930 in Rochester, Indiana to John and Margaret Weigel. She was the youngest of 3 girls. Her mom, Margaret died of pneumonia when Joanne was one year old. After many years of displacement, Joanne and her sister Patty, were adopted by a loving and caring couple, Dr. Clyde and Claire Nelson of Loma Linda, California. She was 12 years old.

Joanne was raised in the Seventh Day Adventist Church and lived out her faith daily with her positive attitude and generous spirit.

Joanne married Jim Mechalke Sr. in August of 1951 and they made their home in Greeley, CO. They had four beautiful children, whom Joanne loved dearly. Joanne and Jim divorced in early 1964.

Joanne married Max Watson, the love of her life, on October 1, 1964. They were married for 38 years before he passed away. Joanne and Max enjoyed traveling to Hawaii, flying in their airplane and loved their house in the country. Joanne hosted many family gatherings at their country home and made sure everyone was happy and well-fed.

Joanne worked at both Boulder Community Hospital and Longmont United Hospital in medical records. She loved her job, interviewing new mothers who just had babies. She worked until she was 79 years old.

Joanne loved animals and always had a cat or dog to keep her company. She also found great joy in the squirrels and birds that came to visit her back porch. Rain or shine, she kept these animal friends well-fed with peanuts and bird seed.

Joanne took great pride in her yard and flowers. She especially loved roses and knew exactly how to care for them.

Joanne was able to stay in her home until her death. She was impeccably tidy and organized. Many days you could find her cleaning, rearranging photos, or watching The Price is Right.

Joanne was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

Joanne is survived by her sister Betty Rose, Lone, California; her children Cherie Adriane, Loveland, Colorado; Rachelle (Leon) Bartholomay, Longmont, Colorado; Denise (Bob) Fister, Loveland, Colorado; Jim (Cheryl) Mechalke Jr, Mead, Colorado; grandchildren Christine Mizelle (Geibel), Rebecca Schipper (Geibel), Tanisha Schinzler (Dennis), Bryan Fister, Shilo Criswell; and her great-grandchildren Emma Stair, Anna Stair, Ellen (Bunni) Mizelle and Maggie Schipper.

Preceding her in death are her parents Dr. Clyde and Claire Nelson; her spouse Max Watson; her sister Patricia Witcraft; and her granddaughter Tiffany Fister.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Longmont Meals on Wheels 910 Longs Peak Ave, Longmont, CO 80501. This organization provided so much more than food for Joanne. She looked forward to the visits from the volunteers and made lasting friendships with many who delivered her meals.