Lynn Marie (Ledoux) Watson, 59, formerly of Canton

CANTON -- Lynn Marie (Ledoux) Watson, 59, died peacefully in the arms of her children, surrounded by music, memories, and love on Friday, July 19, in Colchester, Vermont.

Lynn was born on November 8, 1964, “a warm Sunday” in Barre, VT to Esther Blanche (Jacobs) Ledoux and Leonard Paul Ledoux.

The youngest of four girls, Lynn spent most of her childhood with her sisters growing up in Plattsburgh, NY. As a child, she enjoyed spending time at the family cottage on Lake Champlain in St. Albans, VT, playing clarinet in her school band, and was an avid gymnast.

She graduated from Mount Assumption High School in 1984, and attended SUNY Plattsburgh as an undergrad, earning a bachelor’s in education.

While there, she met her (now, ex-) husband, William Arthur Watson. The couple were married in Plattsburgh, NY on May 23, 1987, and shared twenty years and three children together: Meghan, Emmalee, and Jacob.

As a family, the Watson’s lived in Canton, NY for many years. During this time, Lynn earned a master’s degree in special education from SUNY Potsdam and a master’s degree in education administration from St. Lawrence University.

Though Lynn began her teaching career of over 30 years in Plattsburgh at the Plattsburgh Air Force base, she spent much of her career at Banford Elementary School where she taught countless children across multiple grade levels, most notably Pre-K.

In addition to her work with elementary students, Lynn taught pre-service teachers at the graduate level through SUNY Potsdam.

She spent most of her summers organizing and mentoring the next generation of NYS-Certified teachers in successfully implementing the Summer to Get Ahead program through Canton Central Schools.

Lynn was known by those who have worked with her as an advocate for her students and their families, both in the classroom as well as outside. She often participated in various fundraisers, served on several advisory boards, lead parent training workshops, and took on leadership roles around the community.

Lynn’s greatest joys included watching her children enjoying and succeeding in whatever they were passionate about.

An avid hockey fan, she would often be seen in the stands of various ice rinks around the US and Canada, cheering on Jacob and his teammates while he was in the net.

Even though being a goalie mom came with added stress, she suited up with blankets and boots and didn’t miss a minute (unless of course, the game went to a shoot-out)!

In one of her most memorable roles, Lynn jumped at the chance to watch and support Meg and Em with their figure skating dreams. Known by all Ice Illusions as an official Locker Room Mom, the Deliverer of Official Competition Results, and named Keeper of the Bucket of Bribery, Lynn played an active role in encouraging and celebrating every moment.

She also found immense joy in attending her children’s many theatre escapades, watching every single showing of the various musicals and plays in which they were cast over the years.

Her pride in her children’s many scholastic accomplishments was felt by all who knew her.

Much to her delight, she spent the greater part of her last two years fully embracing her title as Memé, adoring her only granddaughter and spoiling her accordingly.

While her retirement began with a cancer diagnosis, Lynn made every effort to continue enjoying her life with her children and family.

After undergoing a lung resection surgery, multiple brain surgeries, chemo and radiation treatments, Lynn finally beat cancer.

She celebrated life by traveling with friends on many cruises, and even took a trip to Europe to visit her son while he studied abroad.

She made sure to check off as many bucket list items as she could, including swimming with dolphins, cruising on the Caribbean, and spending as much time at the family camp on the lake as possible.

In her more recent years, Lynn moved back to Plattsburgh to be closer to her mother, Esther. The two of them shared many happy years, playing cards and swinging together on the porch at camp, swapping stories and visiting with her many family members and friends in the area.

Lynn is survived by her three sisters, Ellen Nichols of Potsdam, NY, Nancy Steadman of Plattsburgh, NY, and Carol Graham of Rochester, NY; as well as her mother, Esther Ledoux of Plattsburgh, NY, and her many cousins, nieces, and nephews. She is also survived by her children, Meghan E. Watson and her husband, Brien O’Keefe, Jacob T Watson and his wife, Livia (Donofrio), and Emma K Watson, her husband, Schuyler Foulke, and their daughter, Nova Sky.

After a life of service in education, Lynn’s final lesson for her family and friends is to make the most out of every opportunity, and to squeeze as much as you can from the life you are given, regardless of circumstances beyond your control.

In lieu of flowers, Lynn requested donations be made to The Scleroderma Foundation, as well as The Hope Lodge in Burlington, VT.

She wished for her legacy to be served through acts of love and caring for others, as she cared for thousands of families and their children throughout her time on earth.

She also hoped to raise awareness and funding for research into advances in treatments for both cancer and scleroderma.

A celebration of life party will be thrown in her honor later this calendar year, with details to be announced at a later date.