Westfield – Jennie (Santanella) Watson, 97, died Monday, October 30, 2017 in a local nursing home. She was born on February
1, 1920 in Thompsonville, CT to the late Bernard and Anna (Gatto) Santanella. She came to Westfield in 1946 with her husband Bob. Bob and Jen owned Bill and Bobs Restaurant on East Main Street and later on the Hillbrook House on North Elm Street. Jennie loved family and friends, and loved to cook. Soups and cookies were her specialty. In their retirement years, at Bobs encouragement, she learned to golf in exchange for him learning to dance. They enjoyed many years of golfing and dancing together.
After Bobs passing, Mom lived at the American Inn in Southwick, and with family after that. In her last several years she was taken care of by her children and several wonderful caregivers. Her main caregiver for the past 6 years was Joan Whipkey of Southwick. Jen was a communicant of St. Mary’s Church in Westfield and will be deeply missed by those that knew and loved her.
She was predeceased by her husband Robert Watson in 2004, and her 3 siblings Carmela Gebo, Catherine Santanella and Bernard Santanella. She leaves her children Roberta Titcomb, Carol Saltus and Randy Watson all of Westfield, and their significant others, her grandchildren Kate Saltus, David Saltus, Tanner Watson, Coburn Watson, Jaimin Watson, Keri Fazio and their significant others, and 6 great grandchildren.
The funeral for Jen will be held on Saturday November 4th at 12 noon at the Firtion-Adams Funeral Service, 76 Broad Street, Westfield. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Calling hours will be held on Saturday morning before the service from 10:30 till 12 noon at the funeral home. Donations can be made to The Arbors Gives Back, The Arbors At Westfield, 40 Court Street, Westfield, MA 01085.
