A remarkable 42-Year legacy: Mary Watson bids farewell
After an astonishing 42 years of dedicated service, Mary Watson, the backbone of the Colorado State University (San Miguel Basin) Extension Office, is set to retire. Colleagues, friends and community members will gather at the Lone Cone Library on March 1 from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. to celebrate her remarkable career and bid farewell to a woman whose commitment has left an indelible mark on the community.
Watson began her career as an administrative assistant at the Extension Office in 1982, and over the years, she became an integral part of the organization, known for her unwavering dedication and exceptional work ethic. As she embarks on this new chapter of her life, her colleagues and the community are taking a moment to reflect on the impact she has had.
During her tenure, she played a crucial role in supporting the Extension Office's mission to provide valuable resources and education to the community. Her organizational skills and attention to detail were unmatched, ensuring that the office ran seamlessly and efficiently. Colleagues describe her as always ready to lend a helping hand with a warm smile.
"Mary has been a consistent presence in the Extension Office for four decades,” Extension Office Director Yvette Henson said. “Her steadfastness, positive attitude, commitment to excellence and to serving the people in our area with a smile have been shining lights throughout her time here.”
Henson and Watson have worked collaboratively to offer programs such as Colorado Master Gardener, Native Plant Master and many other local food programs.
“We have always agreed that the best part of our jobs is the privilege to meet and work with many wonderful people,” Henson said. “I consider myself fortunate to have had the gift of working with her for the past 18 years.”
Among Watson’s many accomplishments and efforts, the Extension Office recognizes her for her assistance on the Colorado State Forest Service Seedling Plant Sale, Environmental Appreciation Day in the Forest (a program for area fifth graders), the San Miguel Basin Regional Seed Library, Plant and Seed Potato Shares and with local plant diagnostics. In addition to this, she has spent many long, hot hours running errands for the annual San Miguel Basin Fair, and her dedication to the 4-H program and its youth is unmatchable.
“Much of Mary’s work is behind the scenes,” Henson said. “There is too much to list that goes unseen.”
And so, the retirement party promises to be a memorable event, filled with laughter, heartfelt speeches and a chance for the community to express their gratitude to Watson. Colleagues, friends and well-wishers are encouraged to attend and share their fondest memories of working with her over the years.
Watson said she is well ready for retirement.
“I am excited to hang out at home, savor my coffee each morning, read a book, exercise with my husband and visit my grandbabies. I am ready to spend time on myself,” she said.
As she leaves her post, Watson has only good things to say of the job. She felt that working for Colorado State University Extension Office was deeply meaningful and important work.
“I felt like a part of a team that was both local and regional,” she said. “I enjoyed meeting, talking with and supporting our community members.”
Mary’s retirement marks the end of an era at the Extension Office, but her legacy will undoubtedly endure. Her dedication, passion and kindness have left a lasting mark on the community, and her influence will be felt for years to come.
As a token of appreciation, the Extension Office has created a “Fun Fund” for Mary and is collecting small donations to go toward her life after work. In addition to this, an online memo board has been created to collect notes and anecdotes from those whose lives she has touched. The community is invited to contribute their messages, showcasing the widespread impact Watson has had on the lives of San Miguel Basin residents. Please contact Yvette by email at yvette.henson@colostate.edu to contribute.
