Clara Louise Watson “Lovey”

OAKLAND – Clara passed peacefully at home on Feb. 1, 2026, at the age of 91, surrounded by family.

She leaves behind her husband and partner of 55 years, Raymond J. Watson; her son, Robert F. Watson of Oakland, her daughter, L. Nicole Watson Tomasik and husband Nolan of Azle, Texas; six grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her parents, George and Elva Miller; her sister, Carol Frazier; and her daughter, Jane Noble.

Born Dec. 19, 1934, in Boston, Mass., Clara grew up surrounded by close family, including her five cousins who remained lifelong companions. Even early on, she stood out for her warmth, sharp mind, and remarkable memory for names. A 1952 graduate of Sudbury High School, she famously failed science for refusing – on principle – to dissect a frog.

Clara began her career in insurance after secretarial training, working at Liberty Mutual in Boston, Mass. before advancing into management roles in New Jersey and California. In 1967, she became Administrative Assistant to the Auditor General of the U.S. Air Force at Norton Air Force Base, where she met Ray. They married on March 13, 1971, in South Lake Tahoe, Nev. – officiated by the Rev. Love – and shared a true partnership filled with laughter and purpose. Together they opened Watson Insurance Agency in Pine Grove, Calif., before moving in 1982 to Oakland, drawn by family and community. There, Clara flourished. She and Ray opened The Main Street Emporium and The Chatterbox Café, where Clara became known for her hospitality and homemade soups and desserts. She later earned multiple Million Dollar Seller awards as a real estate agent and played a key role in civic life, including leading Oakland’s Centennial celebration and supporting the McCartney House Museum.

A devoted member of the Oakland-Sidney United Methodist Church for over 40 years, Clara served in numerous leadership roles and was treasurer of the Oakland Food Pantry for two decades. She survived breast cancer in 1993 with grace and determination. Above all, Clara was dependable, ethical, and kind – someone who never met a stranger, always had time to listen, and often broke into song. She loved cooking, sewing, storytelling, Elvis music, traveling with Ray, and hosting family and friends. As Ray often said, Clara never needed an “around-to-it”- she simply got things done.

A memorial service and Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, Feb. 28, at 11 a.m. at Oakland-Sidney United Methodist Church, Oakland, with lunch to follow. Please view the full obituary on Veilleux Redington Lawry Brothers website: http://www.vrlfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers you may make a donation to:

Oakland Food Pantry at

692-3337

P.O. Box 194

Oakland, ME 04963

Oakland Fire Rescue

877-1367

P.O. Box 187

Oakland, ME 04963