Barbara Louise Watson

Barbara Watson, 70, of Grand Forks, ND died Sunday, May 5th, at Sanford’s Hospice House in Fargo, ND. She was surrounded by her children and siblings. Prior to enduring a massive stroke, Barbara was an integral part of her family, neighborhood and friends from various facets of her life. She was an avid reader, gardener, piano player and concocter of soups. She loved to plan adventures that included hiking and exploring the natural world.

Barbara (Sorum) Watson was born in Hillsboro, ND in 1953 to Arnold and Helen Sorum. As the baby of the family, she had the good fortune of a loving family including siblings: Judy, Terry, and Mary. Hillsboro was an anchor for her with lifelong friends in her hometown. In her adult life, trips home included good meals, celebrations, laughter and frequent trips to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church.

After graduating from Hillsboro High School she attended the University of North Dakota, expanding her circle of friends again, including meeting Michael Watson. Barbara earned an Associates Degree and on a cold Valentine’s day, she accepted a proposal from Michael. The two were married in style in 1974. She wore flats, he wore platform shoes. The groomsman looked dapper in sky blue, and the bridesmaids and flower girls were in rainbow pastels.

Barbara and Michael built a home in New Rockford, ND and once again expanded their network of friends. In the small town, friends were close knit and the Watson family was close at hand. She worked as a legal secretary for Mattson, William, and Hovey Law Office. Her shorthand and documentation skills followed her throughout her career! Her children Erik and Sara made their family home a happy and playful one and she stayed at home during their early childhood. Barb was known for making homemade breads and caramel rolls. She taught piano lessons at home with her beautiful Kawai piano.

Barbara returned to school to pursue a Teaching degree once both kids were in school. She had many late nights of homework and time commuting to UND to pursue her new career. In 1991, the Watson Family moved to Grafton, ND and she found a teaching position with a commute at Carl Ben Eielson located on the Grand Forks Air Force. She later taught at Nathan Twining, also on the Base, and moved into the Grand Forks Public School District to teach 5th grade at Lewis and Clark Elementary before retiring after 23 years of teaching. Barb was an energetic educator, who was firm and consistent with students while also nurturing their curiosity and creativity. Her first classrooms housed a piano that she played as part of her classroom management. Neighboring teachers would crack open their doors to hear her expressive playing. Students in her room could talk, but no louder than she could play. Her thematic teaching left an impact on her students as they explored the Iditarod, oceans, and Ancient Egypt in all subjects. Her teaching colleagues met and matched her collaborative spirit and became part of her support network in and out of the classroom.

The Watson Family was active in all seasons but in the summer they gravitated to White Earth Lake. What started as a tiny fishing cabin, expanded over the years from the Sorum family, changing hands to the Watson Family. As a baby, Barbara was put in a laundry basket by her Mom to keep her in one place! Sorums learned to ski at the lake; they played cards and board games with grandiose and bluster. Barb dutifully drove the little fishing boat called ‘Lightening’ so Erik could ski with Sara as the spotter. Early morning canoeing or kayaking was a special treat for Barbara and Michael. They would leave a note for their sleeping children to let them know what direction they were paddling. They would arrive back to make coffee and a leisurely Minnesota breakfast. As you might imagine, as close as family was at the cabin; friendships blossomed there too.

Being a Grandma was a special role and Barbara so deeply loved her Grandchildren. Erik and Kari have three children: Andrew, Ava, and Lauren. Special slumber parties at Grandma’s were dubbed ‘Camp Barbie’. Each Grandchild would get some solo time to explore her gardens, Grand Forks Parks, plays, and later, special destinations. Watching the variety of skills in music, art, and sports was also very much enjoyed. Sara and Joe (now divorced) welcomed Aldwynn when his cousins already had a decade plus of life experience. Then retired, she had some different availability to watch her youngest Grandchild grow.

Retirement held a new set of adventures. Though Barbara had envisioned it with Michael by her side, she would often comment on how it was a good life, just different than she expected. She transformed her backyard to a haven of flowers, each summer inevitably adding more flower beds as perennials doubled and the bright colors of annuals called from the green house. She also explored near and far, in all seasons. Nature was a balm and healer of any troubles. Walks in her neighborhood and Grand Forks Parks with ‘fur coats’ Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Molly and Augie made her an icon to her neighbors. Adventures further away solo or with family brought her so much joy. As a researcher, she loved planning to maximize the sights. The actual trip was a blast, too! Recapping everything by pouring over the copious amount of photos taken made sure it was thoroughly enjoyed. Barbara treated her adult children to a 10 day trip to Rome and Barcelona. It was a historic and moving vacation filled with beautiful sights, new challenges, delicious food, so many churches, soaring architecture and lots of walking! On her 65th birthday, she took a solo trip to see the five parks in Utah. She hiked with her signature radiant smile and beautiful white hair. In 2023, she was so proud to be united with her siblings for an adventure along the North Shore of Lake Superior, eating sandwiches, walking by much falling water, and her heart very full.

Barbara’s absence is a difficult one. A healthy and vibrant person, she is gone too soon. Today please share a story, memory, or how you felt around her with another guest. Thank you for loving her.

A celebration in Barbara’s beloved backyard flower garden was held on Sunday, June 9th from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Burial and a brief graveside service will be in Riverside Cemetery in Hillsboro, North Dakota at 5:00 p.m. the same day. Colorful attire to honor her bright and cheerful spirit was encouraged.