Avid crafter who loved her cats and listening to music
MELROSE — Cynthia J. Watkins, 87, passed away peacefully at home with her daughter on February 17.
Born on June 11, 1937 in Oneida, NY of Kenneth and Gladys Collier, Cynthia was a mother, wife, aunt, best friend and teacher who will be sorely missed.
Cynthia loved her family, her cats, shopping, reading, drinking coffee on the porch, listening to music and walking on the beach looking for shells and rocks to put in her pockets, the sparklier the better. She was an avid crafter and leaves a legacy of lovely handknit sweaters, beautiful cross stich pieces, sparkling diamond dot art and other crafts.
Cynthia was a graduate of Oneida High School in Oneida, NY and the Crane School of Music at the State University of NY Postdam. She taught general music at New Hartford, NY and primary music at Lowville Academy and Central School in Lowville, NY. Upon retiring from teaching, Cynthia and her husband Richard moved to Melrose. During the nearly 35 years she called Melrose home, she was active in the Melrose Arts and Crafts Society and for several years the Polymnia Choral Society and held leadership positions in both organizations.
Cynthia is survived by a daughter Kimberly Field of Melrose; a stepdaughter Mary Patenaude of FL; and numerous nieces, nephew, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. Also survived by step grandchildren and step great grandchildren.
Visiting hours will be held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose on Saturday, March 1 from 1 to 3 p.m. Relatives and friends respectfully invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, if you wish to honor Cynthia’s memory, you can make a donation in her name to the Melrose Arts and Crafts Society, the Melrose Humane Society or Care Dimensions whom we thank for the gift of care, compassion and home. To sign online condolence, visit gatelyfh.com.