Obituary of Carolyn J. Dattisman

DATTISMAN, Carolyn J. 76, Palm Harbor, FL born March 6, 1945 to Laverne and Albert Watterson, died peacefully Aug. 27, 2021 at home with her husband, Bill, at her side. Carolyn devoted her life to loving God, family and friends. She and Bill recently celebrated their 50th anniversary which allowed them to relive their lives together. Carolyn took joy in telling everyone how much she loved and appreciated Bill. What she may not have fully appreciated was how much her presence kept their spirited life together, grounded and moving through all marriage's good and not so good times. Their love was never stronger than in the pandemic era as they quarantined themselves and leaned on each other. Carolyn faced many afflictions with a determined effort to do whatever it took to stay alive. She wanted every moment possible to cherish her family and to watch them grow. Watching her battle for life was both heart wrenching and inspirational. Carolyn is survived by her husband, Bill; her son, Jason Dattisman; and his children, Cameron and Cailyn; and their mother, Sandi Dattisman; and her daughter, Cortney Buckelew; her daughter, Jody Dattisman-Wagman and her husband, Brad; and their children, Ryan, Adam and Anna. Carolyn is also survived by her brother, Bob Watterson; and sisters, Diana Love and Barbara Cummins; and numerous nieces and nephews. Carolyn was born, raised and married in Pittsburgh. She was a licensed practical nurse which led to her meeting and marrying Bill who was her patient in the hospital. After their wedding she was soon pregnant with Jason. She gave up her own career to raise her children and support Bill's career from Pennsylvania to New Jersey to Connecticut and finally Florida. Carolyn also taught ceramic's classes, volunteered at soup kitchens, and worked in nursing homes and doctor's offices. Friends will recall this abridged list of her life's best: her faith in God, love of family, close lasting friendships, pride in being Mimi to her grandchildren, devilish smile and deep laughter, her green eyes, angels, empathy, fondness for "love you more than the sun, the moon and the stars", volunteering / donating, Elvis Presley, family heirlooms, the joy she got from gifting small tokens and sending / receiving hand-written cards, angels, Bunco, Mahjongg, and cards, her dogs, her sweet-tooth, decorating for holidays including an angels only Christmas tree, her famous puckered lip expressing either extreme happiness or sadness, manicures, always ready to talk about nothing and everything, Pittsburghese slang, angels, red roses, cruises, sunsets and clouds, butterflies, her notable likes and dislikes (dogs, birds yes, geckoes yes, roaches and ants no, alligators and deer yes) and angels. Carolyn is now united with her Lord, surrounded by a chorus of angels celebrating her arrival in heaven with all her family, friends and pets who proceeded her. The family asks in lieu of flowers donations be made to the No Kill animal shelter - Humane Society of Pinellas, 3040 State Road 590, Clearwater, FL 33759. (727) 797-7722 x225 or donate@HumanePinellas.org.