Annemarie Watson didn’t have the easiest life. Her once-happy childhood was scarred by World War II. Her first marriage ended sadly when her husband died of complications from multiple sclerosis (MS).
These events would shape her personality and her desire to help other people in the future.
An only child, Annemarie grew up in a loving home in Sydney with her parents, Hans and Annele Eckardt. The Eckardts were from well-off families in Germany and had met in Australia. Hans was a successful wool buyer, and his daughter wanted for nothing.
But Annemarie’s childhood was disrupted in 1939, when she was seven. years old. Hans, along with other German nationals, was interned during the war. Wartime austerity and Han’s absence made life difficult for Annemarie and her mother. When Hans returned after six long years, he was a changed man. Annemarie was also affected. She had become resilient but also cautious.
“Those wartime experiences made her careful with money. This lasted all her life,” recalled her cousin, Annele Schoeffel.
Educated at the Redlands school. Annemarie made life-long friends. She later trained as a stenographer. In the 1950s, she met Dr Keith Watson, a radiologist, and they found common ground as only children. They married and settled in Mosman but also travelled and lived overseas.
But they soon faced challenges when Keith discovered he had MS. It was the slow-progressing kind, so he was able to practise medicine and enjoy life for many years. But by his late 60s, he was in a wheelchair.
As Keith’s health declined, Annemarie became his carer so he wouldn’t have to go into a nursing home. She provided unwavering support throughout the various stages of Keith’s illness. He died aged 69, 40 years after his initial diagnosis.
“She was devoted to him,” said Annele.
The couple didn’t have children, so they decided to leave their respective estates to charities. Annemarie’s frugality disappeared as she and Keith decided to generously support the MS cause.
“They wanted their respective estates to benefit MS Plus and local hospitals,” explained Roger Blackwood, Annemarie’s accountant.
Annemarie found happiness in a second marriage, extensive travels and a busy social life. On her 90th birthday, she enjoyed a glass of champagne with Roger and Annele, her carer in her twilight years.
Sadly, Annemarie died only a few weeks later. In her Will, she stipulated that most of her estate should go to MS Plus. This reflected her wish to transform Keith’s experiences with MS into help for others with the condition.
“Annemarie didn’t want others to suffer as Keith had. She knew her gift could help to accelerate MS research and bring us closer to finding a cure.” said Annele.
Annemarie’s incredible gift to MS Plus will help to improve the lives of people in the MS community. Her resilience in the face of life-changing events and generosity at the end of her life is a shining example to others. Her generosity is also a testament to the difference people can make.
For more than 60 years, MS Plus has been a leader in the battle against MS. Gifts in Wills from generous supporters have been vital to our efforts. Whether you choose to help those with MS access services or support research, know that your gift will be appreciated.
Contact the MS Plus Future Planning team on 1800 443 867 to learn more. You can also email futureplanning@msplus.org.au, or visit www.mymslegacy.org.au
