Niki Watson

“I love you; let me help”

These six words, as put by her brother Tom, were at the heart of Niki Gousios Watson.

Niki, who stopped for EVERY stray animal she spotted on the road to help it. Niki, who Lindsay

Wildlife Museum may actually like to see less of.

Niki, who swam from island to island in Greece, accompanied only by a sea urchin which had lodged

itself into her foot.

Niki, who married a quirky Englishman she met through the paper, falling in love and traveling the

world with him for many years to come.

Niki, who when she had daughters, advocated fiercely for them until their voices were strong enough

to amplify themselves.

Niki, who helped her incredible parents live long, healthy, and rewarding lives.

Niki, who dreamed of seeing Japan, Australia, Africa – but whose time was cut too short to start.

Niki, who was on the cusp of buying a home to finally retire in.

Niki, who every day before she passed, lived.

But before we get to that, let us start at the beginning.

Niki Gousios Watson, fourth child of Dr. Aristides Gousios and Vasiliki Gousios, was born in

Oakland on October 8th, 1963. Her parents had immigrated from Nemea, Peloponnese, Greece, 

coming to America after World War II to give themselves and their families a better future.

Niki grew up in the Oakland Hills and was an active part of the Greek-American community and

Ascension Cathedral – she did gymnastics with her church, attended Sunday School, and was

constantly surrounded by cousins and friends. Niki cherished these memories in Oakland. Her

spirited family included her older siblings Diana, Eleni, and George, and baby brother Tom. Her

Yia-Yia Eleni, who had moved from Greece only a few years prior, was especially close with Niki.

They shared a bedroom, as well as a passion for watching ‘I Love Lucy’. Yia-Yia spoke Greek, but

Lucille Ball transcended most linguistic boundaries. When Yia-Yia would return to Greece for

extended summer visits, Niki was her ever-present companion, student, and protector. This may be

where she developed her love of travel, culture, and art.

Niki loved music – especially if it involved Elton John, a high-quality Sound System, a beat she

could dance to, early uses of the synth (which she could always spot), or a majority of 70s hit

singles. She believed in “the economy of sound” just as much as the lyrics in each piece. Not a

single note went unanalyzed by Niki.

Later, she attended Skyline High, where according to her yearbooks she definitely should have made

the “Rah Rah” Team. Surprisingly, she also tried out for Mascot. She loved her community at

Skyline, but owing to a move her senior year, briefly attended Campolindo. While this transition

was not ideal for Niki, she ended up with two sets of incredible friends whom she loved throughout

her life.

Later, as a young woman brimming with curiosity, Niki backpacked independently throughout Europe.

She even got as far as Russia (pre-dissolution of the USSR) bringing back nesting dolls and stories

she would later tell her children. While embracing the unknown in her travels, Niki never forgot

home, and would always send postcards to her family from far-off locations. Niki’s love of travel

only grew when she met and married Simon.

Just prior to getting married, Niki and Simon traveled to Thailand and Indonesia, staying in some really 

seedy hotels which added to the adventure. Simon got sick eating the wrong food as it smelt so

good, but Niki had warned him it was a bad idea. As fate would have it, they had a boat trip to

James Bond Island the very next day. Another memory was seared into Simon’s head as they traveled

the delta in a speed boat, blasted by 105-degree heat which Niki thoroughly enjoyed. That same

vacation, Simon got sick again, condemning him to a ten-foot radius of their toilet. Instead of

hanging out to take care of him, Niki decided to attend a local funeral in a nearby village which

turned into a giant all-day party. She really did like to travel…

Niki and Simon lived together on Fort Mason in San Francisco with dogs, a parrot, and even children

when the time was right! Together they welcomed their two beautiful daughters, Penelope and Annika,

who were not only their world, but worlds of their own. Their daughters, while different from each

other in many ways, learned the same unconditional love their parents had shown them.

During this time, their girls were introduced to the wonderful world of Star Trek Conventions, much

fun was had by them in their double strollers; no need for Disneyland when you could spend the day

listening to actors ramble on in airport-hotel basements. They were also able to score a William

Shatner Album for 50 dollars, an early Christmas present on most pre-teen girls’ Santa Lists.

Niki always reminded her girls that no matter the hardships they may face, to never let a

disagreement pull them apart. Niki knew deeply that love and family and love were the most

important things, and she did much in her life to preserve this.

Niki loved her friends, from her school days in Oakland to new ones she met along the path of life.

She loved her parents, who continuously inspired her intellect and heart. She loved her siblings,

and looked forward to making years more memories with them and their children. Niki was always

available to listen, and she wholeheartedly offered her advice and help to whoever needed her.

Niki sounds perfect, right? Well, she did have an Achilles’ Heel. It came in the form of chicken,

specifically KFC, the South’s greatest cuisine. She was a true convert to that sacred, secret

recipe.

Above all, Niki was a fearless, passionate, and incredibly giving woman. She was always an advocate

for those she crossed paths with, a brilliant teacher, and a walking encyclopedia with a vibrant

mind – one that was always learning.

She will be endlessly loved by Simon, Penelope, and Annika. They now carry her with them wherever

the next adventure leads, and are forever grateful to do so. Because of this, one can never be sure

that her story is over; Niki lives on in those she loves, and she will continue to guide them in

ways they have yet to experience.

Trisagion Service Wednesday, January 24, 2024, 7:00PM – 8:00PM

Funeral Service Thursday, January 25, 2024 11:00AM – 12:00PM.

Both Services Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension

4700 Lincoln Avenue, Oakland, CA 94602

Interment following funeral services at Mt. View Cemetery, 5000 Piedmont Avenue, Oakland.

In Lieu of flowers her family prefers that memorial contributions be made in her name to the East Bay SPCA.

For donation information please, please go to following link.