Muriel (Strong) Watkevich

ATHOL – Muriel “Mikey” (Strong) Watkevich, 85, of 96 Conant Road, Athol, died peacefully on Tuesday, September 27, 2011 at the Quabbin Valley Healthcare in Athol after a long illness.     She was born in Athol on March 31, 1926, the daughter of the late Allie P. and the late Exina M. (Bruce) Strong.     She leaves her loving husband of sixty-five years, Stanley C. Watkevich, three daughters; Marie Capone of Athol, her daughter Jessica Bigwood and husband Eric; daughter Jeanne Hackney and husband Ray of Barre, Ma., children Erin Haskell and husband Chris of Worcester, Ethan Hodge and wife Juliet of Coral Springs, Florida, and Evan Hodge of Barre, Ma.; and daughter Nancy Thompson and Richard Brooks of Templeton; three sons, Gregory Watkevich and his wife Katherine of Athol, children Mary Katherine of California and Emily of Athol; Stanley C. Watkevich, Jr. and his wife Judy of Naples, Florida and their children Laura and Lindsey; Glenn Watkevich and his wife Renee of Wilson, NC and their children Bobby, Grace and Charlie; one sister, Judy Oleson and her husband Bob of Rockville, CT; one brother, Allie "Pete" Strong of Athol; three great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.     Mikey’s biggest joy in life was spending time with her family. She was an avid golfer and a member of the Ellinwood Country Club for over 30 years and a member of the Barefoot Bay Golf Club in Florida where she and Stan spent their winters. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, quilting, tennis and spending time at the beach. She loved antiquing and going to flea markets.     Mikey was predeceased by her sister, Lillian Begor and her brother, Donald Strong.     A private celebration and burial will be held at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Winchendon, Ma.   $(document).ready(function(){ });