Mary L. Watt
Longtime Montrose City Manager
July 31, 1950 - December 15, 2011
Wife of James A Watt and mother of James III (Maggie).
Mrs. Watt was born in Colorado Springs to Opal and Clayton McClure (deceased). Predeceased by her brother Tom.
Survived also by grandson James IV, her brother, Oren (Louise) McClure, sister-in-law Pat McClure and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mary McClure graduated from Harrison High School in Colorado Springs. Also a graduate of Blair Business College, Mrs. Watt started working with the Chamber of Commerce in Colorado Springs. After she was married in 1973, she moved to Montrose and started working for the city. She started as Executive Secretary, and was then promoted to City Clerk/Treasurer; in 1993, she became Administrative Services Director and City Clerk. In 2004, Mrs. Watt assumed the position of full time Administrative Services Director. She was appointed Interim City Manager in 2005 and ultimately assumed the Office of City Manager for Montrose until her retirement in 2010.
Mrs. Watt was most proud of her involvement with the development of the Pavilion, the Elks building renovation including the new City Council Chambers, the Highway 50/ Main Street Swap, and curb-side recycling. She was President of Altrusa (1986), of Montrose Chamber of Commerce (1994), and President of the Colorado Municipal Clerks Assoc. in 1996.
Mary’s achievements include the Mayor’s Award for Outstanding Public Service to the City of Montrose (1993), the Manager’s Award for Excellence (1996), and Master Municipal Clerk status in 2002 (one of 12 in the state.) In 2011, was recognized in the US Congressional Record by Hon. Scott Tipton of the House of Representatives for her exemplary record of public service to her community and countless hours of service to her home town.
An eleven-year breast cancer survivor, Mary participated in numerous breast cancer walks and events. She served on the Montrose Bosom Buddies Board for many years. She bravely fought her diagnosis of Stage IV Melanoma in March of 2010 until her passing on December 15, 2011.
Mary loved to sing, play golf and boat with her family and friends. She enjoyed traveling to Hawaii, California, New York, her family home in Canada and many other destinations. She was a big sports fan, especially of the Elway-era Denver Broncos. Mary enjoyed hosting functions at her home, where her sense of humor was often on display. During one function, she “armed” guests with marshmallow guns. Marshmallows were discovered all over the house for weeks to come. Time spent with family and friends, particularly her husband Jim, was very important to her.
In lieu of flowers Memorial Contributions in loving memory of Mary may be made to Hospice & Palliative Care of Western Colorado, P.O. Box 1804, Montrose, Co. 81402 or Bosom Buddies, P.O. Box 1263, Montrose, Co 81402. A Memorial Service in Loving Memory of Mary will be held Monday, December 19, 2011 at 10:00 am at the Montrose Christian Church in Montrose. The Service will conclude at the church.
Condolences may also be made to the family at www.crippinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction and care of Crippin Funeral Home, 802 E. Main St., Montrose, Co 81401. (970) 249-2121.
