Barbara Watson, 78, of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away peacefully on September 11, 2025, at Schoellkopf Health Care Facility surrounded by her beloved family. Born and raised in Niagara Falls, she was the cherished daughter of the late Edward and Lorraine (Groomes) Travis; and was the devoted wife of Rutherford Watson, with whom married on February 28, 1970.
Barbara’s passion for education and community shaped her life’s work. A proud graduate of Niagara Falls High School, she earned her Bachelor’s degree from Buffalo State College and later received her Master’s in Education from Niagara University. Her career with the Niagara Falls Board of Education spanned over 26 years, primarily at LaSalle Senior High School and later at Niagara Falls High School, where she inspired generations of students with her dedication.
Beyond the classroom, Barbara continued to uplift young minds as a Student Advisor at Buffalo State College and as a summer instructor at Niagara University, giving back to the schools that helped shaped her journey.
Barbara’s interests were as vibrant as her spirit. She found joy in shopping excursions, especially to New York City, fishing, and tending to her garden. A lover of music and tech enthusiast, she embraced both tradition and innovation with equal enthusiasm. Above all, she treasured time with her family, and nothing brought her more happiness than being surrounded by her grandchildren. Barbara will be remembered for her kindness, her unwavering commitment to education, and the joy she brought to all of those who knew her.
In addition to her husband of 55 years, Barbara is survived by her children, Damien (Katherine) Watson and Brittany Watson; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; her sisters, Mary Ann Bennett, Vivian Payne, Sandra Travis; her brothers, Anthony (Patricia) Travis, Michael Travis and Victor Travis, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Along with her parents, Barbara was sadly predeceased by her son, Rutherford “Jaws” Watson and her brother, Theodore Travis, Sr.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, September 17 from 11 – 1 PM at M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel, 2730 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY, where funeral services will begin at 1:00 PM. Interment will follow in Oakwood Cemetery, Niagara Falls, NY. Memorial offerings may be made to the Niagara Falls Education Foundation at nfeducationfoundation.org. Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.
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SERVICES
Visitation
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel
2730 Military Road
Niagara Falls, NY 14304
Get Directions on Google Maps
Funeral Service
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
1:00 PM
M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel
2730 Military Road
Niagara Falls, NY 14304
Get Directions on Google Maps
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