Wendy McLeod Watson

Phoenix, Ariz. — Wendy McLeod Watson, beloved mother, sister, and aunt, died on Friday, Feb. 23, 2018, at her home in Phoenix, where she lived next door to her daughter Mary, who cared for her in her last months. Wendy met the unrelenting challenges of cancer with courage and grace to the last. She was 75 years old.

Wendy was the daughter of the late Aldren and Nancy (Dingman) Watson. She is preceded in death by her son, James Harrah, and her brother, Peter Watson. She is survived by her daughter, Mary Harrah of Phoenix; sisters Clyde Watson of Etna, N.H.; Linda Watson of Bristol, Vt.; Ann Watson of New Haven, Vt.; N. Cameron Watson of Truro, Mass.; Caitlin McLeod of Nevada City, Calif.; brother Thomas Watson of Truro; 13 nieces and nephews, six greatnieces and nephews, and her companion cat, Elijah. 

She was born in 1942 in Ho-Ho-Kus, N.J., and grew up on a farm in Putney, Vt., where her parents settled when she was five. From a very young age, she knew she wanted to be an artist. She received her primary education and early art training from her parents. She later studied painting and drawing with Jerry Farnsworth, Helen Sawyer, and Daniel Greene, and received a BA in Latin, magna cum laude, from Bryn Mawr College.

Wendy was the author-illustrator of twenty-two books for children, and the illustrator of seventy-five books for other authors. Her books have received many prestigious awards and honors, among them The National Book Award (Nominee), Best Books of the Year awards from The New York Times, American Library Association, School Library Journal, The Koret Jewish Book award, and Publisher’s Weekly. Her artwork has been exhibited widely, and included in numerous national and international shows. Her work is part of many private and institutional collections, including the Mazza Museum at The University of Findlay, Findlay, Ohio.

To her children, she was an unrelenting pillar of support, advice, companionship, and encouragement. She passed on her deep love of nature, animals, cooking, performing and visual arts, language, reading, and adventure to both her children. Her determination, strength, and courage will live on in all her family members.

Donations may be made to the Windham County Humane Society (https://windhamcountyhumane.org), the Arizona Animal Welfare League (https://aawl.org), Infinity Hospice Care (http://www.infinityhospicecare.com/locations.php#Phoenix), or another charity of your choice.

A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.