Patricia Mary Watson, 72

Patricia Mary Watson of Kalispell passed away peacefully on April 30, 2018.

Patricia was born Sept. 18, 1945, in Kadoka, South Dakota, to Chub and Mildred Petrik. She had one brother, Terry Petrik.

Patricia grew up in Batesland, South Dakota, where her family ran a full service station and convenience store. She attended high school at the Assumption Academy in Chadron, Nebraska. After graduating, she attended a nursing program at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Lakewood, Colorado, and then stayed at St. Anthony’s to practice nursing.

In 1966, Patricia married Donald Watson of Gordon, Nebraska. They moved to Denver in 1967. That same year, on her birthday, Patricia gave birth to their only child, Jennifer.

Patricia and Donald lived in Denver for 33 years. They raised their daughter, took many memorable vacations, and spent time with family and friends at their cabin in the Rocky Mountains. In addition, Patricia volunteered her time at school, was a Brownie leader, played bridge and practiced yoga. And she loved her cats! As a wife, mother, and friend, she was always ready with an empathetic ear, warm smile and infectious laugh.

In 2000, Patricia and Donald moved to Kalispell to be closer to their daughter. In 2008, their only grandchild, Audrey, was born. According to Audrey, Patricia was a “funny, happy and cute” grandma.

Patricia is survived by husband, Donald, of Kalispell; daughter, Jennifer, and granddaughter, Audrey Koontz, of Kalispell; brother, Terry (Jeannie) Petrik, of Greenville, Kentucky; as well as many other family and friends.

A Catholic Memorial Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on June 23 at St. Leo’s Catholic Church in Gordon, Nebraska.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in Patricia’s name.