Marianne Watts

Marianne Jean Watts was born in Pittsburgh, Pa on August 12, 1936.  She was the only child of Esterina Bonacci Golaszewski and Step-father Charles Golaszewski.  During her early years, some of Marianne's most cherished memories include the years she lived with her dear grandparents Maria Teresa and Nicola Bonacci in a big frame house in the Homewood section of Pittsburgh.  She fondly spoke of her grandmother taking her for ice cream and to the movies even though she spoke no English.  She also had a very close relationship with her beloved Aunt Adelina (Aunt Dell) with whom she spent countless weekends listening to records and dancing. The love of Marianne's childhood life was definitely her dog Lady, whom she absolutely adored, which fostered Marianne's lifelong love for dogs (animals), of whom there were many throughout her lifetime...Bunty, Lady II, Tina, Ginger, Sammi, Bella, etc. Marianne received her education in the Pittsburgh school system attending Conroy Elementary School, Arsenal Middle School, where she met her best friend Eleanor, and her beloved Schenley High School where she met her lifelong sister-friend Elaine McGinnis nee Morris  (in detention for lateness).  Elaine who became Aunt Elaine to us kids, was humming a song and Mom chimed in with the harmony and the rest is history.  Mom and Elaine were sister-friends for the next 70+ years.  Aunt Elaine preceded Mom in death on August 12, 2021...Mom's Birthday. After High School, Mom moved to Florida to stay with Aunt Dell and while at a club on Miami Beach, she met a tall, handsome, tenor saxophone player named William Watts, Jr.,  affectionately called Charlie by family and friends.  This would set the course for the rest of her life.  Mom and Dad fell in love but couldn't be seen together due to Jim Crowe laws in the South.  As such, Dad returned to his hometown of Haddonfield, NJ.  Mom soon followed and they married on April 10, 1957...Dad's Birthday.  From their union, 6 children were born.  Mom and Dad later moved to South Philly, where they raised their family.  Mom met great lifelong friends in South Philly like Ms. Tillie, Ms. Audrey, Mrs. Debra, Mrs. Winnie, Mrs. Blunden and many more.  Raising kids in a big, happy, loving home was what Mom believed to be her most important job and greatest accomplishment in life. Mom and Dad always made a "home" no matter where we lived.  Mom would cook huge delicious meals and always have a house full of kids and friends to feed.  Holidays, birthdays and family gatherings were always extra special as Mom always added that extra touch to make everything magical. In the early 80s, Mom went back to work and began working for the Department of Defense (DRMO).  She enjoyed her job and met some great friends there like Lee, Debbie, Gregory, Veronica, Mike, etc.  It was Debbie, who gave Mom (and Vicki) their beloved Beagle pup named Samantha (Sammi). Mom passed away peacefully on June 15, 2022 surrounded by her children, grandchildren and loved ones.  Dad preceded Mom in death on July 12, 1999 after 42 years of marriage.  She leaves to cherish her memory and carry on her traditions, two daughters Germaine and Victoria, four sons, William, III, Mark, David and Anthony.  Sons-in law, Huey Pigford and Wayne Trotman.  Daughters-in-law, Carol Watts, Tanya Watts, Linda Watts, Shalon Watts and Terri Watts.  12 Grandchildren Stephen, Devin, Leanna, Angelica, Alicia, Armetha, Mark, Jr., Christopher, David Jr., Chantel, Alexander and Joshua; several great-grandchildren and Nephew Dr. Hirschel McGinnis, niece, Leslie Moore...and her beloved dog Bella (Puppy) along with a host of friends. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Marianne's honor to:  Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah. www.bestfriends.org