Sara Ann Cuene-Watson passed away peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023, at the age of 80. She was born in DePere, Wisconsin in 1943 to her parents Hugo Cuene and Dolores VanEgeren.
Sara worked in the business office of her father’s car dealership, Cuene Buick, in high school and went on to graduate from the University of Wisconsin Medical School. Sara moved to Seattle for pediatric residency and a fellowship in pediatric oncology where she met her future husband Robert (Bob) Watson getting married in 1973. After completing their educational training, they moved to Everson in 1976 where they raised their three children: Erika, Kara and Justin. She provided medical care within the Lummi Nation mother and child program for over 14 years and then transferred to Western Washington University where she specialized in mental health treatment of students and consultation with the counseling center.
Along with her busy professional life, Sara became a farmer (draft horse powered farm in Everson) and a rancher helping run the family cattle ranch in Eastern Oregon
Sara was a caring physician, colleague, and friend to all those who knew her. She had a strong yet quiet, happy yet grounded personality that provided peace to those around her.
Sara is survived by her husband, children, sister Rosemary Helker, six grandchildren, multiple nieces/nephews and extended family who were all fortunate to have had her love and guidance.
If you feel inclined, in lieu of gifts, please donate in her name to the PeaceHealth Pediatric fund: If done via check, please note Pediatric Fund in the memo and mail to 2901 Squalicum Pkwy, Bellingham, WA 98225. If donating online, go to https://www.peacehealth.org/foundation/st-joseph/donate-now and select designation of Women & Children’s Services and then under Gift Preference and Comments note Pediatrics Fund.
A celebration of life is scheduled for Friday, March 29 at First Reformed Church in Lynden from noon-4 p.m.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
