Norma M. Watson

Norma M. Watson, a beloved mother, grandma, great- and great-great grandma, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her children, on October 20, 2023.  She was 88 years old.

Norma was born in 1935 to Burt and Lillian Walsh of Cincinnati, Ohio.  She was a devoted daughter, sister, aunt, wife, mother and friend.  Her loving heart and kind spirit left an indelible mark on everyone she encountered.

Norma married Joseph (Joe) Zinser of Cincinnati, OH in 1956.  They made their home in Cincinnati and welcomed son Daniel in 1961.  Their second son, David, was born in 1964, following Joe’s death in the summer of 1963.  Norma and Jack Watson were married in Cincinnati, OH in 1971.  They also made their home in Cincinnati and Jack brought his daughter Jacqueline (“Jackie”) into the family.  They then welcomed daughter Linda in 1972.  Jack and Norma moved their family to Prairie Village, KS in 1974.  Norma was a Teller Supervisor at Capitol Federal in Prairie Village, KS for more than 15 years.  Norma and Jack moved to Overland Park, KS, where Jack later passed away in September 1991.

Norma’s greatest joy in life was her family.  She is preceded in death by her parents, sister Shirley (Ron) Aberle, brother Robert (Judy) Walsh, husband Joseph Zinser, husband Jack Watson and daughter Jackie (Tim) Abernathy.  Norma is survived by son Dan (Leslie) Zinser, their children Jay (Kristen) Christensen, Matt (Rachelle) Christensen and Kaytie (Soren) Petersen; son David (Chrysa) Zinser, their children Alex Zinser, Max (Erin) Zinser and Maggie (Chuck) Shuck; daughter Linda (Ken) Kistner and their children Lily and Lindsey Kistner; grandson Robert Abernathy and grandson Brandon (Corinne) Abernathy.  She also leaves thirteen great grandchildren:  Kyle, Darren and Tanner Christensen; Dylan and Hanna Christensen; Harrison and Maddie Petersen; Sophia Zinser; Jackie, Noah and Rowan Abernathy; Lily and Cooper Abernathy; and one great-great grandson, Oakley Christensen.  This family is her legacy and brought immense joy and pride to her throughout her life.  Her very favorite times were those spent with any, and all, of the kiddos; especially birthdays, holidays and their many, many activities.

As we mourn the loss of Norma, we also celebrate her remarkable life and the love she shared with all who knew her.  Her memory will forever live in our hearts and in the stories we share.  May she rest in eternal peace, and may the family find comfort in the love and support of friends during this difficult time.

Services will be held on Thursday, October 26, 2023, at the Johnson County Funeral Chapel & Memorial Gardens, 11200 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, KS 66210.  Visitation from 11:00am – 12:00pm, Service 12:00pm – 1:00pm, with burial following.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Alzheimer’s Association, 3846 W 75^th St., Prairie Village, KS 66208 or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 6811 Shawnee Msn Pkwy, Suite 202, Mission KS, 66202.