Doris Louise Coburn Watson

GUILDERLAND — Doris Louise Coburn Watson was devoted to her family and her church. An early member of Lynnwood Reformed, she used her musical talents as its organist.

Mrs. Watson died on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2015, after a long illness. She was 93. She died peacefully, attended by members of her family at Teresian House in Albany where she had been a resident for over a decade.

“Doris was known for her quick wit, outrageous puns, a sparkling smile, and a flair for the unusual,” her family wrote in a tribute.

She was born to Olga and Hubert Coburn in Erie, Pennsylvania on May 3, 1922. She showed an early interest in music, taking piano lessons and singing in her high school a cappella chorus.

The first woman in the family to attend college, she received a bachelor of arts degree in psychology from Wilson College in 1944. She married Robert Page Watson in the same year and they moved to Schenectady.

They raised four children and four grandchildren.

Doris and Robert Watson were among the earliest members of Lynnwood Reformed Church in Guilderland. When the church expanded, Mrs. Watson became the church organist, a position she held for 10 years. She was a very active and respected member of the church, serving as elder and president of the Women’s Guild.

She loved swimming, walking, traveling, singing harmony, knitting, weaving, doing word puzzles and spending time with her children and grandchildren. “In her later years, her eyesight faded but she never lost her smile, her joy in living and her love of family,” her family wrote.

“Her children’s friends often came to think of her as their ‘second’ mom. Everyone who has crossed paths with Doris has certainly been blessed.”

****

Doris Louise Coburn Watson is survived by her children, Brian of Canton, New York, Lauren and his wife, Cherie, of Norway, New York, Janith Mason of Guilderland, and Mark and his wife, Maureen, also of Guilderland, and by her grandchildren, Sarah, Alexander, Jack, and Kate.

Her husband, Robert, died before her, as did her sisters, Janith Wilson and Helen Coburn, and her brother, Hubert Coburn Jr.

A memorial service will be held at the Lynnwood Reformed Church at 3714 Carman Rd. in

Guilderland on Friday, Oct. 30, at 7 p.m.

Arrangements are by Fredendall Funeral Home in Altamont. Online Condolences may be made at www.fredendallfuneralhome.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to Lynnwood Reformed Church, 3714 Carman Rd., Schenectady, NY 12303.

More Obituaries

  • Dorothy Lee, who loved gardening and music, was a dedicated and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

    She died peacefully on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025. She was 89.

  • ALTAMONT — Wayde G. Bush, who loved fishing and floating on the Mohawk, never said ‘no’ to someone who needed help.

    He was born in Altamont on April 1, 1987 to Wayde and the late Monica Bush, and he died peacefully on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025. He was 38.

  • GUILDERLAND — John Gilbert Wemple Jr., a social worker who served his community in many ways, found his greatest joy in his family.

    He died peacefully surrounded by his family on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025. He was 92.

The Altamont Enterprise is focused on hyper-local, high-quality journalism. We produce free election guides, curate readers' opinion pieces, and engage with important local issues. Subscriptions open full access to our work and make it possible.