Carla Anna Watt

Carla Anna Watt died in Pinellas Park, FL, on January 17, 2023, at the age of 99. The eldest of Carl and Gertrude (Bottger) Schuknecht’s ten children, Carla was born in Hamburg, Germany, on January 15, 1924.

Carla lived her life embracing adventure and change. Growing up in Germany during World War II, she was eyewitness to history and heartbreak. Yet – despite a sometimes-complicated life with its share of tragedy – she remained curious and high-spirited. Keen to begin a new way of living, she moved from Germany to Manchester (and later to Goffstown and Weare) in New Hampshire, saying, “I never looked back.”

As she transitioned from a life of war and hardship in Germany to one of marriage and children in the new country she loved, Carla generously opened her home – filled with flowers, beautiful linens and china, wonderful cooking, and fresh-baked goods – to visitors. Over the years she hosted exchange students as well as extended family – sometimes for a week, sometimes for a summer. She was highly opinionated and relished a good debate with family and friends. An avid reader and learner (Spanish lessons in her 80s!), Carla instilled in her children a love of books and travel. Additionally, she expressed kindness by cooking meals for homebound neighbors and by indulging her children’s affection for animals as they brought home cats, dogs, hamsters, and Nikki the pony.

 In her later years Carla decided on another change and left New Hampshire for Florida. Settling in Green Cove Springs, she spent her time exploring the region, learning its history, and enjoying her view of the St. Johns River.

 Carla was preceded in death by her loves and partners Robert, William, and Richard. She is survived by daughters June, Nina, Jenny, and Rachel; by grandchildren Jan, Michael, James, Leah, Abigail, and Aidan; and by great-grandchildren Christopher, Liam, and Desmond.

Burial at Hickory Grove Cemetery in Green Cove Springs will be private, with a memorial service to be scheduled at a later date. No flowers, please; however, Carla regularly donated to MSF/Doctors Without Borders Help save lives. Donate now. | Doctors Without Borders and to Smile Train Donation | Smile Train.