Who's Who in Virginia's Long Term Care Facilities
Mrs. Dee Dee Watson
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Mrs. Dee Dee Watson, 83 years old, was born in Belgium. She
experienced the tribulations of living in occupied territory during the
Battle of the Bulge. Food was scarce and times were hard. Getting ready
for a Libertarian dance in a room with bomb holes, she met an American
Army soldier and fell in love. Soon after they married and came to the
United States to live.
With no family, Ms. Watson’s spirit of volunteerism was born. Learning the language as she went, she became involved in the community, worked on their farm, and raised two children. Years later when her husband was admitted to Gretna Health & Rehab, she quickly fell in love with the staff and residents. She played bingo, visited residents, provided kind words and added a gentle reassuring presence to the facility. In the community at large, she received Pittsylvania County’s Volunteer of the Year Award for her service projects and good works. Recently she broke her leg and the facility she had helped for seven years welcomed her as a resident. She now leads the bingo program from her wheelchair and encourages other residents to do their best. She proves daily that her lifelong commitment to helping others is as strong as ever.
Mrs. Watson is a resident at Gretna Health & Rehabilitation Center where she has resided since September 2009.
