Eleanor Frances Romine "Ellie" Watson

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Eleanor Frances Romine “Ellie” Watson on March 20, 2025, at the age of 91. Ellie was born on July 16, 1933, in Gary, IN, to Dan and Florence Romine. She was a longtime resident of Olney, MD. 

After graduating from Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, Ellie pursued her passion for English at the University of Maryland, College Park, where she was a member of Delta Gamma. She went on to teach in Montgomery County Public Schools. After years of dedication to education, Ellie retired in 1999. 

Ellie married the love of her life, Donald Watson, at Chevy Chase United Methodist Church in 1970 and together they built a beautiful life, raising three sons: Scott, Chris, and Andrew. 

Ellie truly believed that it is more blessed to give than to receive. She was generous, compassionate, and had a beautiful soul, always willing to lend a helping hand. A devoted mother and grandmother, her radiant smile could light up any room. She accepted everyone with an open heart and an unwavering warmth. 

She was an active member of Oakdale Church, enjoyed her book club, and loved traveling to the beach with friends. She had a deep appreciation for instrumental music and watching the wildlife outside the windows. Her pets were a cherished part of her life, and she adored them. Ellie lived life to the fullest and especially treasured time spent with her family and friends. Though she is gone, her love and kindness will live on in our hearts forever. 

Ellie was predeceased by her parents, Dan and Florence Romine (nee Gibson), and her beloved husband, Donald Watson. She is survived by her sons: Scott and wife April, Christopher (Chris) and wife Gizele, and Andrew and wife Linda, and as well as her beloved grandchildren: Danielle (18), Jack (18), Natalie (15), and Matthew (12). 

A service to celebrate Ellie’s life will be held at Oakdale Church on April 4, 2025, at 10:00 AM, followed by a private burial. Prior to the service, the family invites you to a time of visitation from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Humane World for Animals (formerly the Humane Society of the United States), organizations Ellie deeply cared about.

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