Mary Jo Watters

Passed away in the comfort of her home, on February 2, 2016, after a 12 year journey with Alzheimer’s disease. She was 84 years old. Born in Louisville, KY on December 1, 1931 to Ella and Hubbard Toombs, she was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, Jack, Bob and Walter Toombs, and one sister, Anne Toombs. She was raised in the area of Baxter Avenue, and attended St. Brigid Catholic Grade School. She graduated from Presentation Academy in 1949.

In 1952 she married Donald T. Watters who whisked her off to San Diego, CA where he was stationed in the US Navy. They returned to San Diego to celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniversary. In their 63 year marriage, Mary Jo set up households in San Diego, CA; Rochester, NY; Indianapolis, IN; Charleston, WV; Bluffton, SC; Glendale, AZ; returning to Louisville, KY in 2004, where it all began. Mary Jo enjoyed travel both within the US and abroad. She was a lifelong seamstress, quilting for the children at St. Joseph’s Children’s Home. She was a member of quilting groups in every parish she belonged to over the years. When she was no longer able to quilt, Mary Jo knitted scarves which were passed on to family, friends, and the children at St. Joseph’s. She was an avid reader, and a music and movie enthusiast. Above all of this, Mary Jo was a humble and devout Catholic. Her faith was rock solid. She was a member of St. Albert the Great Parish.

She is survived by her loving husband of 63 years and devoted care giver, Don; four children Ann Slice (Michael) of Phoenix, AZ; Jayne Combs (John) of Prospect, KY; Ellen Norvell (Allen) and Tom Watters (Kim) all of Lexington, KY; Grandchildren, Kevin, Philip (Kristin), and Roger Slice, Drew and John W. Combs, Christian, David, and Jacob Norvell, Thomas and Kelly Watters; Great-granddaughter, Kenzie Slice; sister-in-law, Doris Pilson of Knoxville, TN; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She is also survived by her best girlfriend of nearly 70 years, and maid of honor, Irma K. Raque.

Heartfelt gratitude goes out to Bonnie Goodlett, Sandy Batchelor and Vicki Spagnuolo (Always Best Care), Samantha Sorg, RN and the rest of her personal Hosparus team, for their diligent and loving care of Mary Jo during the past two years.

A service celebrating Mary Jo’s life will be held at St. Albert the Great Catholic Church, 1395 Girard Drive, on Monday, February 8,2016 at 10:00 a.m. Private Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery. Arch L Heady Funeral Home on Westport Road is in charge of arrangements.

The family requests NO flowers please. Expressions of sympathy may be made in Mary Jo’s name to: St. Albert the Great Pastoral Care Committee, 1395 Girard Drive, Louisville KY 40222, or The Alzheimer’s Association, Kaden Tower 6100 Dutchman’s Lane Suite 401, Louisville KY 40205.