Hilary Watson, wife of Tom Watson, dies at 63
Hilary Watson, the wife of golf legend Tom Watson, died Wednesday night at the age of 63 after a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer.
"The void she leaves will be filled by memories which will always remain as they leave indelible marks on our souls which we will never forget," Tom said, according to Golf Digest's John Feinstein. "She said she was dying to live, not living to die throughout her entire ordeal with her cancer. She's my hero."
Hilary was diagnosed in October 2017 and underwent numerous rounds of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. In May 2018, she was declared cancer-free but it returned soon after.
The Watsons returned to their home in Stilwell, Kansas, on Saturday to put Hilary in hospice care.
Members of the golf world shared their condolences:
We offer condolences to one of the game's greats, Tom Watson, on the passing of his lovely wife, Hilary. pic.twitter.com/kKmCMd7cNE
— USGA (@USGA) November 28, 2019
Very sad to hear of the passing of Hilary Watson, wife of @TomWatsonPGA, thoughts are with Tom and his family at this sad time.
— Justin ROSE (@JustinRose99) November 28, 2019
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of a very special lady Hillary Watson. Our deepest condolences to Tom and family at this time.
— Ernie Els (@TheBig_Easy) November 28, 2019
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Hilary Watson, wife of @TomWatsonPGA, our @TheOpen Ambassador. Our thoughts are with Tom and his family at this sad time. pic.twitter.com/3YDK2yH7Sp
— The R&A (@RandA) November 28, 2019
Very sad to hear of Tom Watson’s wife Hilary passing. Ally and I really enjoyed hers as well as Toms company over the 2 years leading to Ryder Cup 2014 #RIP
— Paul McGinley (@mcginleygolf) November 28, 2019