Jill Watkins

Mrs. Jill Watkins, 81, of North Caldwell, NJ, died peacefully at home surrounded by love on February 14, 2026.

Visiting will be held at the Dancy Funeral Home, 9 Smull Avenue, Caldwell, on Saturday, February 21 from 12 to 2 PM with a service to begin at 1 PM.

She lived a remarkable life filled with love, laughter, friendship and tennis.

Born and raised in Newark, New Jersey, Jill devoted her professional life to education. She served the Newark Public School system as a teacher, principal and administrator, earning the respect and admiration of colleagues and students alike.. It was there that she met the love of her life, Arthur Watkins. Their relationship began as a friendship — a slow simmer that deepened over time into an unbreakable bond. They made a home together in North Caldwell and were married in a joyful backyard ceremony. Jill and Arthur shared many adventures. They spent many happy days vacationing in Cape Cod, casting fishing rods from their boat, the JILLYFISH. Together they traveled to China, England and the Galápagos Islands, returning home with wonderful tales to tell. Their marriage and commitment to one another was one for the books.

An avid tennis player, Jill loved whipping a tennis ball around the courts with her loyal group of tennis friends. She admired famed tennis pro Roger Federer greatly, whose book occupies a special place on her bookshelf.

Wherever Jill went, she formed deep and lasting friendships. Many proudly called her their best pal. She kept in regular communication with many people, treasuring each connection as much as they treasured her. Open-hearted, generous and quick with a sense of humor, Jill had a gift for making people feel seen and valued.

Even after retiring from the Newark Public Schools, Jill maintained close ties with former colleagues, celebrating birthdays and milestones together for years. She was a respected leader and a beloved friend whose impact on her professional community endured long beyond her years of service.

Jill had a special love for children and formed meaningful relationships with many young people who adored her and looked forward to their time with her. She knew how to be silly, fun and engaging, drawing children out and encouraging them to shine. She took great pleasure in watching them grow into accomplished adults, having supported and encouraged them in countless meaningful ways along the way. Those bonds remain unbreakable and her influence and love will be long lasting.

She was predeceased by her husband, Arthur Watkins; parents, Ethel and Charles Graifer; and her sister, Michele Hankin.

She is survived by her nieces and nephews, Wendy and Steven Bredall and Jeff and Amy Pilger; her great nephews , Alex Pilger and his wife Rachel, Graham Pilger, Connor Bredall, Tyler Bredall, and Ethan Bredall; and her grand-nephew Luka Pilger.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (giving.mskcc.org), Children Incorporated (childrenincorporated.org), or World Central Kitchen (wck.org). Condolences and memories may be shared on her Remember Page at dancyfuneralhome.com.