Deborah Ellis Watts

Deborah Ellis Watts of Venice, FL (formally of Natick, MA) died Saturday July 20th at her home following a long and courageous battle with metastatic colon cancer. Deborah faced her cancer with grace, dignity, humor, sarcasm, and no small amount of Yankee stoicism. Deborah was born to the late George and Sylvia (Poor) Ellis in Wellesley, MA. She was educated in the Wellesley Schools and graduated from Mount Ida College with a Bachelor's degree. Deborah was retired from the Town of Natick, Council on Aging where she had worked with senior citizens for many years. She was most recently employed by the Sarasota County Government. Deborah loved all of God's creatures and spent much of her life caring for animals of all shapes and sizes. Deborah was also well known for her artistic ability, and she leaves a legacy of artwork for her family to remember her by. Andover, Maine, where Deborah's family has a home, is a place that was dear to her. She grew up spending time at the family Homestead, and Andover continued to hold a special place in her heart. Deborah's ashes will be interred in the family cemetery plot in Andover, along with countless generations of her family. Deborah is survived by her husband Lee, sister, Rebecca Hudspeth and husband Steve of Wilton, CT. Two brothers; George Ellis and wife Donna of Cary, NC and Randall Ellis and wife Joy Huber of Newton, MA. She is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews, and a host of dear friends. And, of course, her dogs Bailey, Moose and Fenway. A funeral service will be held Sunday, July 28th at 12:30pm at the Unity Church of Venice, 125 North Jackson Road, Venice, FL with Rev. Robin Reiter officiating. A committal service will be held in Andover, Maine at a later date. Without the love and support of all of Deborah's family and friends, the last year would have been insurmountable. The many kindnesses shown to Deborah and her family are appreciated immensely. The family requests that you consider a donation in Deborah's memory to the Wildlife Center of Venice: 3252 Border Road Venice, FL 34292.