Laurel Maye Watt (Winkler) Obituary (1938

In Loving memory of Mother, Wife, Sister, Daughter and Friend. Laurel Maye Watt passed away peacefully, in her home of 23 years in Indianola, Washington, on January 14, 2020. She was in the company of her loving family. Laurel was 81 years old at the time of her passing. Laurel and her only sibling, twin brother Earl Ray Winkler, were born on March 11, 1938, in Southern California, to parents Berintha Maye (Winkler) and Luther Winkler. Laurel and Earl were raised in San Gabriel, California, and for much of their early childhood their beloved maternal grandparents lived in the home with them. Laurel always remembered fondly her childhood home, with a giant pepper tree in the yard, in which she would hide out to daydream and watch the chickens on the lawn below. Laurel became enamored of the Hollywood of her youth, and early on expressed a passion for acting, performance and all things theatrical. She was fortunate enough in her lifetime, (as well as determined enough) to be able to focus her abundant and creative energies on the things she loved best; her family and the theater. Laurel became a prolific, authentic and very talented, actress, performing in countless plays, as well as a number of commercials and movies in her lifetime. In addition to being a performer herself, Laurel was also a wonderful director who enjoyed directing adults and children, community theater and professional alike. Laurel was a true "thespian" and in her world the "show MUST go on", even if it meant she needed to direct it, sew the costumes, paint the scenery, help hang the lights, mend the curtains and provide furniture and sundries (from our home) for the set and props! She was well known in the theater communities, of which she was a vibrant part throughout her adult life, of the Puget Sound, Sonoma County and San Francisco Bay Area. Her experiences in the many theaters she worked at were the joy and passion of her day to day life, and brought out and allowed for the expression of her incredible creativity and industriousness. She was a true theater artist, and prided herself as such, and was never happier then when involved in a production. Like so many people of Laurel's generation, growing up with parents who lived through the great depression, she was resourceful and possessed the ability to make something beautiful and useful out of almost nothing. She canned fruit, cooked, baked, was a fine seamstress, tended many lovely flower gardens and created a warm and comfortable home for herself and her family. In many ways she was quite a modest person, never holding money or material things in especially high esteem. She was sincerely appreciative of everyday, simple pleasures. Even the smallest gifts or gestures of kindness were rewarded by her beautiful smile and great joy in receiving them. Laurel met, fell in love with and was married to her loyal and loving husband, friend and companion, Gavin Lee Watt for 52 years. She dearly loved Gavin and their two daughters, Megan Laura Watt and Bronwen Lee Watt, and as a mother was playful and humorous. She kept us laughing, constantly making up weird words and nicknames, using funny voices and telling imaginative stories. She was a doting Grandmother to Jake Lee de Souza, Sasha Lauren de Souza and Gavin Glenn Bryson, and also, a loyal and generous friend to many. As sensitive as she was, she would often worry over the feelings and needs of others. Many people don't know that Laurel was also a cancer survivor. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in midlife. She was extremely brave and optimistic in facing cancer treatment and like she was in much of life, was a "real trooper". Hardly complaining, and retaining the ability to see humor in a difficult situation. She came through it and was cancer free for the rest of her life. Though Laurel did face challenges and difficulties in her lifetime, she was strong and steadfast in her commitment to her loved ones. Her nature was such that she had the capacity to find something meaningful in each of life's many experiences and for the most part, remain optimistic. She was a sensitive, creative, intuitive soul and she brought beauty and art into the world. She encouraged us always, by her example and her support, to pursue what we are passionate about, and to create and enjoy a life that is meaningful to us. Laurel is survived by her husband Gavin Watt, daughters Megan Watt and Bronwen Bryson, Brother Earl Winkler, Grandchildren Jake and Sasha de Souza and Gavin Bryson, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. A memorial and celebration of Laurel's life will be held on Saturday, June 13th at Gavin and Laurel's home in Indianola, WA. Friends and Family are welcome.