Mary Ellen Watson of Knoxville, Tennessee, died on Saturday, December 17, 2005. She generously contributed to the lives of her friends, students, and fellow amateur astronomers of Tamke-Allan Observatory. These categories often overlapped as she stimulated those around her by her dynamic, thoughtful exploration of the heavens. She selflessly helped and encouraged other people, assisted many visitors and students at the Tamke-Allan Observatory near Rockwood, and enriched all who knew her. Though Mary was a person of quiet dignity, she nonetheless had a zest for life, which she shared with twinkling eyes and gentle smile. She will be deeply missed.
Born in Florida and growing up in Oklahoma, Mary had a full life with a career in the U.S. Air Force, followed by completion of a 2-year degree as validictorian at Clinton Community College in New York state. She worked at Duncan Automotive; participated in astronomy education at Roane State CC and UT; and attended conferences at the National Radio Astronomy Observatories at Green Bank, West Virginia and Arecibo, Puerto Rico.
A memorial fund has been established
in Mary's name, to support students, especially girls in grades 7-12 who share
her love for astronomy, as they do research in radio and optical astronomy at
Tamke-Allan Observatory or an approved radio astronomy site.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Mary E. Watson Memorial Astronomy
Research Endowment, in care of the Roane State Foundation, 276 Patton Lane,
Harriman, TN, 37748