Clara Louise Watson ("Lovey") December 19, 1934 – February 1, 2026, Clara Louise Watson—known to her family as "Lovey"—passed away peacefully at home on February 1, 2026, at the age of 91, surrounded by family. Clara leaves behind her husband and partner in life for 55 years, Raymond J. Watson; her son, Robert F. Watson of Oakland; her daughter, L. Nicole Watson Tomasik and husband Nolan of Azle, Texas; her grandchildren Tracy Smith and husband Scott, Robert Kimball Jr. and partner Nicole, Donald Noble and wife Lesia, Melinda Noble, Silvia Melvin and husband Nikolas, and Aislin Tomasik; and ten great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents, George L. Miller and Elva L. (Hayes) Miller, her sister Carol (Miller) Frazier, and by her daughter Jane Noble. Clara was born on December 19, 1934, in Boston, Massachusetts. She grew up surrounded by family, especially her sister Carol and five cousins who lived nearby and remained close throughout her life. Even as a young woman, Clara stood out. While attending Sudbury High School, she worked as a hostess at the Wayside Inn in Sudbury, where she became known for her uncanny ability to remember everyone's name. She graduated in 1952, and her family remains convinced she would have been at the very top of her class if she hadn't failed science for refusing—on principle—to dissect a frog. After high school, Clara attended secretarial training and put those skills, along with her natural drive and sharp mind, to work at Liberty Mutual in downtown Boston. That was just the beginning. Her career took her to management positions in insurance agencies in Princeton, New Jersey, and San Francisco, California, and eventually to a role as Administrative Assistant for the Auditor General of the U.S. Air Force at Norton Air Force Base in San Bernardino, California, beginning in 1967. It was there that Clara met Raymond. The two were married on March 13, 1971, in South Lake Tahoe, Nevada, by Reverend Love. Their marriage was a true love story, lasting 55 years and filled with partnership, laughter, and shared purpose. After four years in the San Francisco Bay Area, Ray and Clara moved to Volcano in Amador County, California, where they opened Watson Insurance Company in Pine Grove, drawing on Clara's deep experience and entrepreneurial spirit. But by 1982, Clara felt the pull of home—and of Maine—and convinced the family to move to Oakland, partly to be closer to her beloved cousins Tom and Cindy Longstaff. In Oakland, Clara truly found her stride. In 1990, she and Ray opened The Main Street Emporium and The Chatterbox Café. Clara managed the businesses and became known for warmly welcoming locals and visitors alike, many of whom came specifically for her homemade soups and desserts. Clara loved to say, "If you want something done, give it to the busiest person," and in Oakland, that person was often Clara. Over the years, she created an annual vintage fashion show fundraiser for the homeless shelter, became a highly successful real estate agent earning multiple Million Dollar Seller awards, and played a key role in restoring the McCartney House Museum through the Oakland Area Historical Society. She served as Chairperson of the Oakland Centennial Committee in 1983, organizing the parade and historical reenactments that brought the town's history to life. Her faith and service were central to her life. Clara was a devoted member of the Oakland-Sidney United Methodist Church for more than 40 years, serving in countless roles including treasurer, Sunday school superintendent, choir member, youth group leader alongside Ray, and lay leader. She also served as treasurer of the Oakland Food Pantry for 20 years, was an active member of the Oakland Lions Club—where she helped orchestrate the annual Lobster Bake fundraiser—and worked as Administrative Assistant at St. Mark's Episcopal Church from 2001 to 2013. In 1993, Clara faced and survived breast cancer with her usual determination and grace. Clara and Ray loved to travel together, especially when it meant visiting family across the country. Their adventures also took them to Hawaii, Canada by train, England, Ireland, Denmark, and through Eastern Europe by river. Above all else, Clara was known as someone you could count on. She was ethical, empathetic, calm, and fully present—often breaking into song just because the moment called for it. She had a gift for seeing potential in people and took real joy in encouraging, mentoring, and connecting others. Despite her packed schedule, she always had time to truly listen. She handled nearly every situation with steady calm—except, famously, snakes. Clara loved telling stories, singing, acting, sewing, baking and cooking, Elvis Presley music, and hosting friends and family in her home, which she took great pride in. Ray often said Clara never needed an "around-to-it," and those who knew her would agree—she simply got things done. And she never met a stranger. In lieu of flowers you may contribute to: Oakland Food Pantry at 692-3337 P.O. Box 194 Oakland, Me 04963 Oakland Fire Rescue 877-1367 P.O. Box 187 Oakland, Me 04963 A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 28, at 11:00 a.m., with lunch to follow in the church social hall, at Oakland Sidney United Methodist Church, 14 W. School Street, Oakland, Maine. Services are under the care of Wheeler Funeral Home, 26 Church Street, Oakland. An online guestbook may be signed and memories shared at www.wheelerfh.com.