Obituary of Carley Doris Watts

Carley Doris Watts
October 9, 1992 – November 2025

With hearts full of love and deep sorrow, the family of Carley Doris Watts announces her passing on November 15, 2025. Born on October 9, 1992, to her devoted parents Cindy and Bruce Watts, Carley spent her early years in South Plainfield, New Jersey. She attended the Piscataway Regional Day Program until age 22, she remained at her home in the care of her loving parents until she was 26 years old at which time she moved to the Hunterdon Developmental Center, where she lived with care, comfort, and dignity from her team of hands on caretakers until her passing.

Although Carley was non-verbal, she communicated with unmistakable expression and spirit. Whether through an intentional eye roll, a frazzled brow, or her radiant smile that could brighten an entire room, she made sure everyone knew exactly how she felt. Carley faced life with determination and remarkable resilience, consistently surpassing expectations and inspiring everyone around her.

Throughout her life, Carley was surrounded by unwavering love—not only from her parents, who cared for her every day, but from an extraordinary circle of support known lovingly as “Team Carley.” This team included doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, and caregivers who ensured she was safe, comfortable, and cherished. Among them, Pam Schrum held a special and irreplaceable place in Carley’s life and in the Watts family—someone whose love and dedication will forever be remembered with profound gratitude.

Carley found joy in music. Whether it was Barney songs or the timeless soundtrack of The Sound of Music, melodies filled her world. She had a keen sense of hearing and always recognized a new visitor, greeting them with excitement and a smile from her favorite purple wheelchair.

Carley is survived by her loving parents, Cindy and Bruce Watts; her sister, Rebecca Layton and husband Bill; her brother, Gregory Watts and wife Brittany; and many adoring Aunts and Uncles including:  Rayand Judy Syms, Brian and Fern Watts, Fred Remite,  Marisa and Scott Schoenfeld , Shea Meyer, as well as Cousins Bradley Schoenfeld and Kevin and Erica Wright,, Great-Aunt Chickie Cerra, and a large extended family who loved her deeply.

She was welcomed into eternal life by her maternal grandparents Kurt and Doris Meyer, paternal grandparents Margaret and Irving Partelow, her Aunt Kathleen Wright, and her Uncle Jeffrey Meyer.

Family and friends are invited to a Memorial Visitation on Saturday, November 22, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 398 County Route 513, Califon, NJ. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 12:00 PM.

The Watts family extends their deepest and most heartfelt thanks to all medical professionals who truly cared for Carley throughout her life, and most recently the dedicated care teams at the Hunterdon Developmental Center and Hunterdon Medical Center. Their compassion and commitment made her journey safer, happier, and profoundly meaningful.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Carley’s memory may be made to The Sharing Network of New Jersey, supporting the gift of life and hope for others. Please Click Here to Donate