Much-Loved Former Substitute Teacher Remembered In Millerton: ‘Always Had Her Door Open’

After a valiant fight with ovarian cancer, a beloved neighbor, adored matriarch, and former substitute teacher passed away, leaving the Dutchess County community and beyond in sadness.

Millerton’s Audrey Watson.

According to her obituary, Millerton resident Audrey Lillian Watson passed away on Sunday, July 20, at the age of 72.

Watson, a former substitute teacher in the Webutuck School District, had a profound effect on Dutchess County’s children, faculty, and innumerable families. According to acquaintances and loved ones, Watson was a kind, dependable person whose affection went well beyond her immediate family and was regarded as Nanny by many, not only her grandchildren.

Wherever she went, Watson, who was born in Newfoundland, Canada, brought vitality, humor, and compassion. According to her obituary, friends and family remember her as someone who could make a space seem brighter, give wise counsel, or make people laugh with her impromptu storytelling and singing.

Audrey was incredibly loyal to her family, which included her daughters and grandkids, Ronald Poppy Watson, her husband of over 50 years, and a large network of friends and extended family.

According to a tribute placed on a GoFundMe website created to help the Watson family with burial costs, “She made life feel a little softer, a little safer, and a lot more loved.”

She wasn’t simply Audrey to the majority of us. She was Nanny,” the page, which was put together by Watson’s granddaughter Reneisha’s pal, adds, adding that she kept her door open at all times. Audrey made sure you felt welcome, whether you needed guidance, food, a hug, or just a peaceful spot to rest.

To assist the family give her the lovely farewell they believe she deserves, a GoFundMe campaign has been established. Through Reneisha, community members have been encouraged to bring food to the reception and share the page in addition to making monetary contributions.

Out of a $15,000 target, the page had raised $1,550 as of Friday, July 25.

If you would like to make a donation, click this link.

In addition to her husband Ronald, Watson leaves behind a huge, devoted family that includes siblings, nieces, nephews, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a large circle of friends who became family. Her parents and other close family members predeceased her.

According to her obituary, memorial contributions can be made to the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance, a cause that was close to Watson’s heart.

You can read Watson’s whole obituary by clicking this link.