Marie E. (Kallan) Watkins

Marie E. (Kallan) Watkins, of Reading, formerly of Cambridge passed away on Sunday September 14th, 2025. She was 79 years of age.

Marie grew up in Cambridge in a family house full of love.  As a child in the city Marie enjoyed adventures with her parents, siblings and beloved Aunt Jay.  Marie stayed in the city after she met her adoring husband Bill.  Marie enjoyed all the places that he would take her but was made happiest by the simplest of things like a walk through the Boston Commons and Gardens.  The two ventured to Brookline where they made a group of lifelong friends at the Village Coachhouse.

Marie moved with her family to Reading where she found her favorite place in the world.  The house on Lowell Street was a sanctuary for her.  Marie loved the pool and the fireplace but most of all she just loved the feeling of home.  It was in this home that Marie enjoyed a weekly “date night” dinner with her husband of almost 50 years.

Marie spent most of her career at Daniel’s House Nursing Home in Reading where she made a tremendous impact on both residents and staff. Marie forged a circle of friends here that would see each other through happy times and sad. 

Marie left her position at Daniel’s to help care for her grandchildren.  She found great joy in caring for her grandchildren, a task that she did with unmatched devotion.  She was unfailingly kind and giving.  A friend said that Marie knew what people needed before they knew it themselves.  She was always determined to do what she could to make other people’s lives easier and happier.

Marie is the beloved wife of William Watkins. She is the cherished mother of Gary Ferguson and his wife Lisa and Tracy Deharo and her husband Jeff. Loving grandmother (Gigi) of Shea Ferguson, Colby Deharo, Hunter Deharo and Dalton Deharo. Dear daughter of the late John and Helen (Baskis) Kallan. Sister of the late Lynn Price, George Kallan, Raina Kallan, Paula Kallan and Laurie Kallan. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. 

A Funeral Service Celebrating Marie's Eternal Life will be held on Tuesday September 23rd, 2025 in the Doherty Barile Family Funeral Home 11 Linden St. READING at 11 am. Interment Charles Lawn Cemetery, Reading.

Family and friends are kindly invited to gather and share memories with her family on Monday September 22nd from 4 pm to 8 pm in the funeral home. Parking attendants and elevator available.

Please consider donations in memory of Marie to Cotting School, American Heart Association or Breast Cancer Research Foundation.