Kay Watson

After an impressive 99 and a half years, Kay Watson passed away suddenly at home in Whittier, CA.in the presence of those she loved. Kay was born in East Los Angeles to immigrants from Hercegovina, Jozo and Jela Vukojevich. She is predeceased by her parents and siblings, John, George, Buder (Joseph), Mimi (Amelia), and Dolly (Wilhelmina Maziotti).

Kay proudly grew up in East Los Angeles at a time when there were many immigrants from European countries filling the neighborhood with their languages, stories and food. She graduated from Garfield High School in the summer of 1944. A young man from school and the neighborhood became smitten with her, and in 1947 after serving in the Navy Lloyd “Skinny” Johnson and Kay were married at Our Lady of Lourdes Church. They had 14 beautiful years together. They became doting parents to Shirley. Kay is predeceased by Skinny and a daughter Trudy Helene.

In 1966 Kay married Warren Watson at St. Mary’s of the Assumption Church in Whittier. Together they formed a blended family with Warren’s two children Darlene (Glass) and Gary. Kay and Warren traveled to many countries including Croatia, Rome, Mexico and Asia. They would often go dancing on the weekends, loved a good party and hosted many in their home. Russell St. became a gathering place for family, friends and neighbors. This open door was true to the day she passed.

Kay was a hard worker. She went to Frank Wiggins Trade School, now LA Trade Tech, and graduated as their first female Switchboard Operator. She went to school to be a Dental Assistant, worked at Intertype Corporation, a meat packing plant, Bell Potato Chips and Sears.

Kay volunteered at Whittier Hospital for several years. Most importantly she found solace and community at St. Mary’s church where she belonged to Altar Society, Catholic Daughters and the Seniors Club. She was devoted to the rosary as a source of strength.

She was predeceased by her two husbands, all her siblings, and step daughter Darlene.

She leaves behind her beloved daughter Shirley, her step son Gary, sister in law Betty, son-in-law Tom, granddaughters Melinda (Mark) and Michelle (Bill), great grandchildren Lilly, Quinn, Emma, Liam and Brody, nieces, nephews many cousins.

In lieu of flowers donations in Kay’s name may be made to St. Mary’s Church for sacred vessels.