Marlene  A. Watson      “In Loving Memory of Mom, wife, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend”

SANFORD, NC—Marlene A. Cook Watson, 90 years young, of Sanford, NC, a former longtime resident of Millport, PA, passed away with her loving family by her side on Tuesday, July 7, 2026.

Marlene was born August 17, 1935, in Olean, NY, and she was the daughter of Claude and Jessie Lewis Cook of Millport, PA.  She attended and graduated from Shinglehouse High School in 1954. Marlene married Martin E. “Marty” Watson on June 27, 1954, in Millport, PA.  She was married to her sweetheart and love of her life for over 70 years. They lived the majority of their lives in Millport, PA.

Marlene worked as a CNA at the Olean General Hospital.  She sold Avon for 35 years, receiving many accolades and achievements for her successful sales.  She loved to visit with everyone,  probably more than selling Avon.  She was certified in CPR and was a member of the Shinglehouse Volunteer Ambulance Association and was a life member of the former Shinglehouse Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. Additionally, Marlene served as the president of the local campers’ association.  In later years, she enjoyed volunteering at the Coudersport Hospital.

She loved collecting things, dancing, traveling, family reunions, snowmobiling, C-B’ing, and camping. Marlene loved playing cards, golfing, bowling, knitting, crocheting, sewing, but mostly people watching. She would spend hours just watching people and socializing with perfect strangers who would become friends.  Most of all, Marlene loved spending time with her family.

Our mom, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and wife have made a huge impact on all our lives and many other friends and acquaintances. We, the Watson family, are extremely grateful that we have had both our parents until they were 90 years old; however,  it doesn’t make her passing any easier or less devastating.

Marlene is survived by her canine companion, Mollie, of 16 years; five children; Cynthia (Gary) Major of Chatsworth, GA, Martin (Carol) Watson II of Dawsonville,  GA, Kenneth (Janice) Watson of Pascagoula, MS, Kevin (Charlotte) Watson of Sanford, NC, and Cassandra (Gregg) Morey of Coudersport, PA; 15 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and so many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Marlene was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Merle Cook, and her husband, Marty Watson (her best friend and life partner). When she gets to heaven, she will find Marty, and they will dance again as they deserve to be together for eternity!

Family and friends may call from 12 noon to 2 pm on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, 118 South Union Street, Shinglehouse, PA, where funeral services will follow at 2 pm with Pastor Alan Mertsock of Myrtle Gospel Tabernacle, Shinglehouse, officiating. Burial will be in Rathbone Cemetery, Coneville, PA.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Marlene’s name may be made to Barbecue Presbyterian Church, 124 Barbecue Church Rd, Sanford, NC 27332.

Marlene entrusted her care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, PA. To express condolences, light a candle or share a fond memory of Marlene, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.