Eva Lou Schroeder Watson’s Enduring Legacy
Beacon Stories
Eva Watson’s life was marked by her dedication to advancing medical research for blinding diseases, and her generous bequest to the Foundation Fighting Blindness ensures her advocacy will endure. Her story highlights the profound impact of her contributions to driving treatments and cures for blinding diseases.

Eva and Jack Watson on their wedding day.
Eva Watson’s life was marked by her unwavering dedication to medical research, particularly for blinding diseases like retinitis pigmentosa (RP). In her will, she made a significant bequest to the Foundation Fighting Blindness, ensuring that her commitment to driving treatments and cures would continue beyond her lifetime.
Growing up in a close-knit family, Eva was surrounded by the warmth and support of many aunts, uncles, and cousins from an early age. This strong familial foundation undoubtedly shaped her character. She graduated from Pierce City High School in 1940, ready to embark on new adventures.
Eva’s journey took her to Manhattan, where she met Jack Alvin Watson, Jr., a Brooklyn native. Though the details of their courtship remain sparse, the photographs of the couple reveal they were very much in love. Their honeymoon in Bermuda was the beginning of a life filled with shared dreams and mutual support.
Settling into domestic life, Eva and Jack made their home in an apartment on First Avenue before moving to a two-bedroom apartment in Peter Cooper Village, where she resided until her passing in May 2023 at 100 years of age.
Eva worked as the private secretary to the president of Rockefeller Center, Inc. Eva and Jack’s social life in the city was vibrant until Jack’s diagnosis at the age of 39 with RP, a condition that gradually robbed him of his vision. But the couple remained steadfast in their commitment to each other and to finding a cure. They traveled to renowned medical institutions like the Mayo Clinic and Johns Hopkins, driven by hope and determination.
Jack passed away in April 2005 after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s disease, but Eva’s love and support never wavered. Her resilience and faith were evident in her continued advocacy for medical research. Together, they had been active supporters of the Foundation Fighting Blindness, a cause close to their hearts. Eva’s dedication to this mission extended beyond Jack’s passing, as she continued to support the Foundation and other charities.
In a letter to Jack’s niece and nephew in 2006, Eva wrote, “Both of us were vitally interested in research to find a cure for retinitis pigmentosa and active in the Foundation Fighting Blindness. While the Foundation was initially focused on RP, its scope was widened to include macular degeneration and other rare eye problems.”
Eva’s legacy is one of enduring love and resilience. Her life’s journey, marked by personal challenges and triumphs, is a testament to the power of commitment and the impact of giving. Through the five charities she and Jack chose to support, including the Foundation Fighting Blindness, Eva’s spirit and dedication continue to inspire and make a lasting legacy.
“Eva Watson’s bequest has had a tremendous impact on the Foundation’s investments in RP research,” says Jason Menzo, CEO. “Both Eva and Jack’s generosity will benefit current and future generations of individuals affected with blinding diseases.”