Carolee Moen Watt, 79, of Columbia, died Monday, May 1, 2017. Carolee loved her family dearly and cherished every minute with them. She was active in the community and tireless in the study of her faith. She had over 52 years of experience in the field of education, with her career dedicated to early-education of both children and parents. She was a Montessori Specialist. She founded Mansio Mens Montessori School (Geneva, IL), where she spent 14 years as Head of School. Carolee worked for Parents as Teachers and for Hope Montessori Foundation (St. Louis, Mo). She was the Head of School of Church of the Cross early education program (Bluffton, SC), which later transformed into May River Montessori. Her final time in education was spent at Jubilee Academy-Christian Montessori (Columbia, SC). Early in Carolee's career, she gathered experience and education from Frostig School in California and Newell Kephart (Purdue University), plus other pioneers in Learning Disabilities programs, to start two public school Special Education Programs.
Carolee was also active in her faith, PEO and Leeza's Care Connection. Her final love was her dogs. She won best of breed at the Westminster Dog Show in New York City with her Great Pyrenees, Blu. She had several wonderful dogs that shared her love.

Surviving are her husband of 58 years, Russell Watt; three daughters, Jennifer Elizabeth Schott (Kevin), their children, Jordan, Alex, Collin and Madison; Julie Watt Clark (Toby), their children, Tim, Zeke, Grace, and Lilly; Jodie Watt McLean (Pierre de Lucy), their children, Camille, Ariane, Patrick, and Charles; brother, Donne P. Moen (Bette); and sister-in-law, Delores Watt Yeats (brother-in-law, Bill Yeats).

The family will receive friends and celebrate Carolee's life on Sunday, May 7, 2017 from 3 until 5 o'clock at 724 Spring Lake Road, Columbia, SC 29206.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Carolee's honor to Leeza's Care Connection at 201 St. Andrews Road, Columbia, SC 29210 or any of the many schools and institutions she loved. The family wishes to extend immense gratefulness to Dr. Martha Parker Hester for her loving and supportive care and to Lutheran Hospice for their tender support.

Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.