Obituary of Betty Lee Watson

Betty Lee Watson, 81 Betty Lee, the daughter of Bertha and George Bailey Watson, was born on June 10, 1934 in Neptune, NJ. The family included her sister, Jean, and her brother, James Bailey. Betty Lee passed away on September 2, 2015 at Franciscan Oaks in Denville, NJ. After graduating from Neptune High School, she went on to receive her Bachelor's Degree from Trenton State College (now known as The College of New Jersey). While attending TSC she was a member of the Gamma Sigma Sorority. Subsequently, she received her Master's Degree from Montclair State College. Betty Lee began her first career teaching Health and Physical Education at the Senior High, College, and Junior High levels. Some of her students describe her as an excellent teacher – both tough and caring. She expected a lot from her students but went the extra mile when they needed her help and guidance. This work ethic continued throughout her life. At the same time she was a member of various statewide organizations. Betty Lee was the President of the New Jersey Athletic Association for Girls and a member of the Board for the Division for Girls and Women's Sports. An active athlete herself, Betty Lee was a member of the first New Jersey Women's Lacrosse Team and later served as Head Coach of that group. In her second career Betty Lee was the Director of Field Services and Camp Administrator for Morris Area Girl Scout Council. Under her guidance the camping program grew to include multiple county-wide day camps and two resident camps, including the first year-round camp site in the east. Camp Mogisca at Ambarnest not only housed girl scouts during summer camp, but it served scouts and other members of the community throughout the fall, winter, and spring. Ambarnest became not only a beautiful and well-loved camp but a money-making enterprise to boot! Again Betty Lee was able to bring out the best in all the girls for whom she was responsible. Even now, almost 50 years later, the women share their joy in learning from and working with her. Her third and final career took her into the insurance field. After working for Mutual of America in New York City, Betty Lee became the Director of Contracts and Prospectuses with Prudential Insurance Company. She worked with the states to secure their approval of all new Prudential products. Her organizational and people skills served her well in this position. Betty Lee and her life partner, Karen Jensen, traveled extensively throughout the United States. They especially enjoyed many trips to Walt Disney World. Betty Lee sorely missed Karen after she passed away in 2008. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, October 4th from 2 – 4 pm at Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Ave., Denville, NJ 07834. Please share your favorite photographic memory with her friends and family. In lieu of flowers please send donations to: Make-A-Wish New Jersey, Gift Processing Center, P.O. Box 97104, Washington, D.C. 20090-7104 or nj.wish.org.