Nancy L. Watson

Nancy Lee Watson 1943-2024

Nancy brought incredible warmth, love and kindness to the world. First, intimately to her children and husband then more broadly as a preschool teacher, model, flight attendant and volunteer.

Born in St. Paul, MN, Nancy moved to New Jersey with her parents Clifford and Delpha Thiele, the youngest of three children, Richard (Dick) and Marilyn (Perky). After NJ the family moved to Hinsdale, IL where Nancy attended Hinsdale High School followed by Drake University and Miami of Ohio.

Nancy began her flight attendant career with Delta Air Lines in 1963, then she stayed home to raise her two daughters, Heather and Tara Wayt.  She began modeling at fashion shows for local  boutiques in Glen Ellyn, IL which soon led to product modeling and commercials in Chicago, most notably as a pilot on the front of a Kellogg's Corn Flakes box and the mystery hand model in Jewel Foods commercials for many years.

In her early 40’s Nancy returned to flying with United Airlines where she met her husband of 35 years, Len Watson. They sat next to one another on a delayed flight, she offered him trail mix and the rest is history! Len brought two sons to the marriage, Robert (Bob) and John.

Nancy and Len loved to travel, seeing the world for business and pleasure.  Her zest for life was unmatched.  It showed, not only in her travels but in hiking, biking, dancing, and downhill skiing.  She even embraced sky diving.  

Nancy loved spending time with her grandchildren Evan, Alec, Nolan, Lilah Shaw and Tess Mella.

She always carried a special sparkle as she entered a room; her fun loving spirit for adventure and genuine kindness will be greatly missed. It’s a blessing to have had Nancy as a friend, mother, wife, sister in our lives. She’ll forever bring smiles and joy to those who knew and loved her.