Obituary: Barbara Watters

Barbara Wolff Watters, age 65, of Atlanta, died on April 7, 2017 at Peachtree Creek Assisted Living Facility in Vinings, GA with her beloved children, son, Seth Watters (Crystal), and twin daughters, Rebecca Watters (Michael Richie), and Rachel Watters, by her side after a long but courageous battle with Early Onset Alzheimer’s disease.

Barbara was born in Atlanta, GA to Margie Z. Wolff and the late Mortimer S. Wolff and graduated from Cross Keys High School in DeKalb County, GA where she had many friends, was a gifted student, writer, editor of the high school’s literary magazine, on the National Honor Society, and a National Merit Scholarship finalist.

She graduated in 1973 from Brandeis University in Waltham, MA with a BA in Psychology and later earned two Masters Degrees from Georgia State University in Rehabilitative Counseling and Education. A counselor throughout her professional career, Barbara worked at the former West Paces Ferry Hospital, former DeKalb College in Atlanta, and Northern Virginia Community College in Virginia.

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She also managed a carpentry business during marriage to her former husband, Ralph Watters. In 2006, Barbara retired from counseling at North Forsyth Middle School in Forsyth County, GA. She relished adventure, and after graduating from Brandeis, backpacked across Europe and lived on an Israeli kibbutz.

The photographs she took of the trip and throughout her life reflected her great artistic talent. Barbara enjoyed “running” (walking) the Peachtree Road Race with her daughters, dancing to the musical performances of her son’s bands, the company of family, friends and pets, making decoupage furniture, and giving community support by charity walks and Atlanta Food Bank shifts.

Her big heart shared with family, friends, colleagues, students, strangers, and animals is an abiding trait for which she always will be remembered. In addition to her father, Barbara is predeceased by her grandmothers, Celia Zwerner Hecht and Hattie Wolff, and uncle, Herbert Zwerner. In addition to her children, Barbara is survived by her mother, Margie Z. Wolff; sisters, Shella Blaustein (David) and Donna Wolff (David Howard); nephews, Jack Blaustein (Ashley) and Daniel Blaustein (Sara); aunt, Grace Zwerner, and uncle, Carl “Chubby” Zwerner. Also surviving Barbara is her very dear friend, Lee Born, former husband, Ralph, and many cousins and friends. Barbara’s family wishes to express gratitude on her behalf to supportive friends and her caregivers at Peachtree Creek Assisted Living and Hospice for their care and kindness.

In lieu of flowers, please send any donations to The Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org. Graveside services were held at Crestlawn Memorial Park on April 9, 2017.  Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, Atlanta (770) 451-4999.