LeAnn Rachel Ostby Watson

LeAnn Rachel Ostby Watson, 82, fierce and inspiring mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend, passed away August 28, 2021.
Born on her family homestead of Greendale Farm in Douglas, ND, she was the seventh child of Ole N. Ostby and Erna Christine Roeder Ostby. The story is often told that at just over three pounds, she passed the cold North Dakota winter in a shoebox with a hot water bottle. Small but spirited, she insisted upon passionately living life to the fullest, always ready for adventure. In her words, she “never wanted to miss anything.” From Israel to Norway, our traveling muse inspired her children and everyone she knew to continue to explore and learn. She modeled the intention of embracing the present as a gift despite age and circumstance.
Her pioneering spirit led her to become a woman in the medical field in the late fifties despite expectations to the contrary of her peers and professors. LeAnn studied Medical Technology, receiving her B.S. from the University of North Dakota, and her M.S. in Administration at Central Michigan University. She excelled in her field, working as the Director of Clinical Laboratory at the Greenville Hospital System, Director of the Stem Cell Laboratory at Cancer Centers of the Carolinas, and HPC Laboratory Specialist at The Blood Connection. She often said she learned the most about life through her cancer patients, who found joy in the present.
She is survived by her children Ted A. Watson, Jr., Ward L. Watson (Wendy), and Sonya C. Watson; grandchildren Amelia A. Watson, Faith C. Watson, Boulder, CO, Niskua R. Watson and Naika A. Watson; beloved sisters Carol Foree, Modesto, CA, Lora Bendickson, Minot, ND, sister-in-law Patti Ostby, Garrison, ND, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by spouse Norm B. Pigeon, former spouse Theodore A. Watson, MD, brothers Norman and Vernon Ostby, Garrison, ND, and sisters Shirley Birkholz, Garrison, ND, and Audrey Mohn, Champaign, IL.
Her family will honor her memory with chardonnay and “butter, which can mend a broken heart,” following a Eucharistic service held at 1 pm on October 9, 2021, at St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 1002 S. Main St., Greenville, SC 29601, with a reception following. A memorial service will be held in the Spring in Garrison, ND.
Memorial donations may be made to The Doberman Rescue of the Triad www.doberman-rescue.com or The Carolina Basset Hound Rescue www.cbhr.com .