Obituary
Marie Ann McMahon Watanabe

August 16, 1952 — November 16, 2025 Marie Ann Watanabe, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on November 16, 2025, in Raleigh, North Carolina. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on August 16, 1952, she was one of two children of Thomas and Kathleen McMahon. On April 19, 1980, Marie married Dr. Tsuneo Kent Watanabe (deceased) in Durham, North Carolina. Together they made their home in Cary, where they raised three daughters—Jennifer, Emily, and Audrey, and founded a successful medical practice. She cherished her family above all else and delighted in her role as “Grandma” to her grandchildren, Alaina and Nathan. Marie earned her degree in Family and Consumer Sciences from Meredith College in 2001 and went on to teach both preschool and high school students. A gifted homemaker, she was known for her warmth, creativity, and resilience. She found joy in cooking, knitting, cross-stitching, sewing, quilting, and traveling. Her deep affection for animals was reflected in the many pets she welcomed into her life, especially her beloved dogs. She is survived by her children, Jennifer Clark, Emily Watanabe, and Audrey Watanabe; her grandchildren, Alaina Clark and Nathan Clark; her sister, Patricia Miller; her son-in-law, Jeff Clark; her daughter-in-law, Heather Dean; and nephews, Evan Miller and Matthew Miller. A gathering of friends and family in celebration of her life will be held at The Mayton Hotel in downtown Cary, NC on December 22, 2025 from 12:00-2:00. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Transitions LifeCare, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607, in gratitude for the compassionate care and comfort they provided or to the SPCA of Wake County, links below: Donate to Transitions LifeCare: Impact End-of-Life Care Donate to SPCA Wake Donation Campaign The family would like to thank everyone for their love and support.