Helena Dorothea Watson

HELENA DOROTHEA DANIELS BROWN WATSON

A Remarkable Woman

As summer finally arrives, we are forever grateful for the life of Helena "Brownie" Watson. A truly amazing and honored pioneer died June 23, 2011 at the age of 96 in Ogden, Utah of causes incident to age. A family mourns, friends grieve and students will remember this extraordinary woman who left our hearts full, our minds enriched and the world changed for the better.

Helena was born January 30, 1915, in Farr West, Weber County, Utah to Jethro Daniels Brown and Emma Lee. She was the seventh and last child after twin brothers. Helena had an idyllic childhooda€"except for thinning beets. The family sustained itself on the farm with hard work, faith and love for one another. Helena made her way through Weber County schools and two years at BYU. She began teaching school in Weber County at age 19. She left home to serve a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in New York with her brother Dee, companion and best friend Leatha "Bunny" Hair and others whose friendship she treasured to the end. Her testimony and activity in the Church were an inspiration and guidepost to all around her.

Helena''s next adventure took her and a friend south to teach school in Kanab, Utah. She was loved by the students and settled comfortably into the beautiful environs of red rock and sand. In 1939 Helena married Odell J. Watson, a Kane County sheep rancher, in the St. George Temple. They raised a family of five girls and twin boys. Helena was very active in church and civic affairs, holding important positions and using her talents to beautify and improve the lives of many.

Odell (her "Watsoni") died in 1960 of leukemia. Helena went back to school and received a Bachelor''s degree from Utah State University and a Master''s Degree from Montana State University. This extended her teaching career from Las Vegas, Nevada to Ogden, where she became the only woman principal in Weber County School District, through fifteen years as an Assistant Professor at Weber State University. Having taught for more than 50 years, thousands of students loved and respected this distinguished and accomplished teacher, mentor, advisor and friend. She will be greatly missed.

After retirement Helena kept busy with her creative projects and published a family history book and a book of her poetry. She enjoyed family, friends and neighbors in addition to keeping her corner of Farr West Drive a landscape of serene and exceptional beauty. She loved the grandchildren and many of their treasured memories are of visits to Grandmother''s garden. The beloved great grandchildren followed, and Helena was always engaged in their early education on every subject. Education was her passion.

Helena is survived by her children: Jacquita and Hal Christensen, Salt Lake City; Tonya Watson, Mission Viejo, CA; Lee Dell Watson and Dr. Art Duff, Vicenza, Italy, Talana and Dr. Lorell Fawson, North Ogden; Jethro and Nancie Watson, North Ogden; John and Sherrie Watson, Farr West and Emma Jane Watson and Gus Kostopulos, Chandler, AZ; 22 grandchildren, 39 great grandchildren and 2 great, great grandchildren. Helena is predeceased by her husband Odell J. Watson, her parents, her sisters Lila, Monna, Yvonne and her brothers CJD Brown, Lee and Dee Brown. Funeral services will be held Friday, July 1, 1 p.m., Farr West 1st Ward, 1800 North 1800 West, Farr West with a preceding viewing at noon. Friends may call Thursday, June 30, 2011, 6 to 8 pm, Lindquist North Ogden Mortuary, 2140 North 400 East, North Ogden. She will be buried beside her sweetheart in the Kanab City Cemetery, 76 North Main Street. There will be an interment ceremony there on Saturday evening, July 2. Condolences may be sent to Jacquita W. Christensen, PO BOX 711632, 84171-1632. Or visit "Helena B Watson" on Facebook.

Send condolences to the family at: www.lindquistmortuary.com