Florence Watson

Florence Isabel Watson, 90, peacefully passed away at her Slippery Rock home on Sunday.

Born Feb. 22, 1930, in Slippery Rock Township, she was the youngest daughter of the late Roy Benjamin Grossman and Florence Maude (Bryson) Grossman.

Florence attended the one-room Foltz School on Pennsylvania Route 8, before graduating from Slippery Rock High School in 1948.

She was a “daddy’s girl,” and fondly recalled how she was the only one of her eight siblings allowed to drive her father’s pickup truck. For entertainment, she enjoyed books, magazines, crossword puzzles, card games, pinball, Kismet and Tri-Ominos.

She was an avid fan of butter, spreading a thick layer onto every piece of toast she ever ate. She also had a “sweet tooth” for all manner of chocolates and candies. When the summer sun was shining, she would invariably be outside relaxing in the swimming pool, tending to her rose bush, or cracking open walnuts. On Christmas Day, she preferred to sit back and watch everyone else claw through the mountain of presents under the tree. On Sundays, she enjoyed having dinner with her family.

Florence was always patient and good-natured. She had many nicknames: F.I.W., Isabel, Isa, Toots or even “Grandma E.” She will be remembered as a loving and caring mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, great-aunt, friend, neighbor and babysitter.

She is survived by her husband, Robert L. “Pete” Watson, whom she married Jan. 19, 1949; four daughters, Beverly A. Watson of Slippery Rock, who selflessly assisted her day and night with tender, loving care; Linda M. (Thomas) Boyd of Prospect; Judith G. Zulick of Butler; and Penny L. (Damon) David-Covert of Bowie, Md.; two sons, John L. Watson of Sarasota, Fla. and Thomas R. (Nancy) Watson of Fredonia; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and dozens of nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Florence was preceded in death by five sisters, Dorothy A. McConnell, Evelyn G. Grossman, Virginia M. Ross, Mabel M. Hogue and Marjorie R. Dittmer; and three brothers, Royal J. Grossman, Robert H. Grossman and William G. Grossman.

WATSON — Family and friends of Florence Isabel Watson, who died Sunday, Feb. 21, 2021, may visit from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Wednesday at Smith Funeral Home, 421 New Castle St., Slippery Rock.

A service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Slippery Rock United Methodist Church, 130 Franklin St., Slippery Rock, with Pastor Keith McIlwain presiding.

Interment will follow at Slippery Rock Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to Slippery Rock Volunteer Fire Co. and Rescue Team.

The usage of facial masks and social distancing is encouraged.