Alice Watson

Sister, Doctor, Mrs...Alice Rethinger Watson, the daughter of Hubert and Agnes Rethinger was born in Toledo, Ohio August 28, 1937. She spent her growing years in Toledo. She attended Toledo Central Catholic High School, starting her studies to become a nun in her junior year. She took her vows in August 1955. 

She spent 20 years as a nun in the convent of St. Francis in Tiffin. Hence the "Sister" part of the intro. During that time, she taught junior high students in several places in northwest Ohio for ten years. Five of which were in public schools. (3 years in Seneca-Huron school district near Bellevue--Reed) Then, on a bright spring day at the end of the last term, she received a letter saying that Bowling Green was offering a teaching assistantship the following fall-she would finish her MA and teach freshman English part time. She fondly told of the memory of that moment -- standing there looking out the window-- the heady aroma of lilacs, the sun-drenched yard and playground and knowing, somehow, that life was going to change drastically. Not sure how, but she just knew.

She finished work on her master's and stayed on for the PhD program. The next summer she studied in England and while standing on the sidewalk at Piccadilly Circus, and again, just knew life was going to change. Her independent spirit felt boxed in, and needed a kind of freedom that vows didn't afford. Receiving dispensation from Rome in 1974. The following spring she received a PhD in English from Bowing Green State University. Hence the "Dr."

She accepted a position with Bethune-Cookman, a black college in Daytona Beach, spending only a year. The next summer she moved back to Bowling Green and searched intensely for a professorship someplace "up north." At the very last minute receiving one from Slippery Rock, PA. Two days before classes were to begin, she drove to Slippery Rock with a tankful of gas, two suitcases, a typewriter, a Styrofoam cooler with an orange, a hunk of cheese and a paring knife, ... and $2.37. When the air turned brisk and the leaves changed colors, she thought she had died and gone to heaven. The next fall she accepted a tenured position at Penn State University teaching all forms of English: writing, poetry, British and American literature, and designed courses along the way.

At home in Fremont for Christmas, a friend from St. Ann's, asked her to go to a New Year's Eve party. Not wanting to go because that was a 'couples thing,' the friend said she knew this nice guy who would like to take her. She went rather reluctantly. A year and a half later (Sept. 1, 1979), she married that "nice guy"-- Richard Watson. Hence the "Mrs."

Settling in after marrying, she taught part time at BGSU until 1983. She began to do research for writers, editing writers' writing, and finally, deciding to do the writing herself. Most of her work appeared in university, medical and scholarly presses.

She and Dick loved to explore the world by taking cruises and trips with friends and family. Expanding her creative spirit, she never stopped learning especially when it came to art and exploring watercolor painting and drawing. Throw in playing the piano, a few rounds of casual golf, and hosting tea parties for the grandkids on Christmas Eve, and life couldn't get any better. As health issues became more prevalent Dick continued to be her caregiver and rock until his death in December 2023.

In her most recent days she loved a mean game of cribbage or listening to Mike read her poetry, with Vassar Miller and Dylan Thomas being her favorites. Always sharing a comment of "that was nice" or "I didn't like that one" after the reading.

Left to cherish her memory are her step-children, Michael (Diane) Watson of Marion, Mark (Rhonda) Watson, Julie Watson, and Rick (Linda) Watson, all of Fremont. Grandchildren, Megan (Nik) Watson, Alexander (Kate) Watson, Jordan (Brian) Watson, and Cory Watson. Four great-grandchildren; in-laws Rolland and Karen Watson, Glen and Sandra Watson, and Susie Rethinger; and many lifelong correspondence friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Richard; siblings Rev. Omar Rethinger, Mary Welch, Paul Rethinger, James Rethinger; in-laws Orville Welch, Charles and Charlotte McCachren; step-son Robert Watson.

The Watson family wishes to thank the staff at Bethesda Care Center where she lived before moving to Marion. For the last four months The Meadows of Marion spoiled Alice, as she was their very first resident. Additional thank you to Tranquility Hospice and St. Mary Church for guiding her final journey on this earthly world.

Visitation will take place on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 from 5-7P.M. at Herman-Karlovetz Funeral Home & Crematory, 900 North Street, Fremont, OH. A Funeral Mass will begin at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday at St. Ann Catholic Church, 1021 W. State Street, Fremont. Fr. Matthew Frisbee will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed at www.hermanfh.com

Donations in Alice's name may be made to the Sisters of St. Francis, Tiffin or to the Sisters of Mercy, Fremont.