In 1963, when Alfred S. and Mary Ann Linhart’s daughter, Virginia “Ginny” Linhart was struck by a car, they were desperate to make sure 5-year old Ginny had the supports she needed when she was released from the hospital. As a family with six children, the Linharts didn’t have the funds to send Ginny to the Watson Institute (then known as D.T. Watson). Despite the family’s lack of funds, the Watson Institute provided care to Ginny, a generous gesture the family never forgot.

The Linhart family held fond memories of visiting Ginny at Watson from 1963-1971, and turned a tragic event into a source of strength and inspiration for the family. Mary Ann Linhart often said, “Ginny is so independent because she learned that at Watson”.

Mary Ann Linhart felt strongly about Watson’s influence on Ginny, and was so appreciative of our care for her that she chose to leave a portion of her estate to the Watson Institute. Through Mrs. Linhart’s gift, made in the name of Alfred S. and Mary Ann Linhart, the Watson Institute has been able to continue to provide specialized education and supports for children with disabilities.

The Watson Institute is grateful to have known Mary Ann, and we are thankful for her gift that is helping many other children to benefit from our services.

The Watson Institute provides over $2.9 million in charitable, unfunded services each year to children with special needs and their families. Your gift can help others to benefit from our services to help them achieve their fullest potential.

When Ginny passed away in October, 2015 with cancer at age 58, Mary Anne thought it was fitting to memorialize Ginny by making a gift to Watson Institute.

The Linhart family turned a tragic event into a source of strength and inspiration for their family and for others. In July, 2017 the Linhart family made a pilgrimage to Watson Institute to dedicate a classroom in memory of Virginia L. "Ginny" Linhart. Ginny was remembered by her family as someone who made everyone around her work harder, showing determination and resilience.

Ginny's mother Mary Ann once said that the accident happened "all because of a ball" that Ginny chased into the street. Because of that ball and Ginny's terrible accident, she and her family became a part of the Watson family.

Mary Ann Linhart often said, "Ginny is so independent because she learned that at Watson". She recognized that Ginny would not allow her disability to prevent her from working hard and doing what she could.

The Watson Institute is grateful for our friendship with the Linhart family, and their gift that will help others benefit from our services.

The Watson Institute provides over $2.9 million in charitable, unfunded services each year to children with special needs and their families. Your gift can help others to benefit from our services to help them achieve their fullest potential.

Irene T. Forsyth never had children of her own, yet she will touch the lives of many children through her legacy gift to the Watson Institute.

Irene, who passed away on April 25, 2019 at age 99, was, according to her cousin James Will, the kind of person who wanted to help others and make things better for them. She fulfilled that desire through her gift to the Watson Institute and other charitable organizations in our region.

She retired in 1978 after serving as a secretary in the Field Accounting Services Bureau of Employment Security for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for 35 years. She lived with her older sister, Margaret, until Margaret's death in 2013.

The Watson Institute is grateful for Irene's generosity, which will help many children far into the future to benefit from our services.

The Watson Institute provides over $2.9 million in charitable, unfunded services each year to children with special needs and their families. Your gift can help others to benefit from our services to help them achieve their fullest potential.

Forever remembered for his kindness, humor, and dedication, Bill Wrenshall continues to welcome visitors to the Watson Institute.

The Watson Institute is proud to honor the memory of William E. Wrenshall, IV, a dedicated leader, trusted advisor, and cherished friend. Bill passed away in May 2018, but his spirit continues to live on at the Watson Institute: in the hearts of our staff, and in the mission he so faithfully supported.

Bill served the Watson Institute with distinction for many years as a member of the Board of Trustees, contributing his leadership and insights as a member of the Pro-Am Golf Committee, the Executive Committee, and ultimately as Chairman of the Board of Trustees. In each role, Bill gave generously of his time and his energy, ensuring that Watson remained committed to its mission of supporting children with disabilities.

But what set Bill apart was not only his leadership, it was his warmth. Bill had a gift for making everyone feel seen and valued. “You’re never too important to be nice to people,” was Bill’s approach to life, and he lived it each and every day.

He knew many of our staff by name, greeted people with genuine kindness, often with a clap on the back and a “how ya doin’?”, and could always be counted on for a laugh. His presence at Watson events, whether in his trademark pink tie or his favorite pink oxford shirt, brought a smile and camaraderie that lifted everyone around him.

In recognition of his extraordinary contributions, we have named the entrance to our campus “Wrenshall Way.” This tribute stands as a daily reminder of Bill’s generosity, leadership, and the personal connections he built with so many at Watson. Each visitor to our campus in Sewickley passes along Wrenshall Way, and is welcomed in the same spirit of warmth and kindness that Bill embodied.

Bill was loved by all who knew him and truly was everyone’s best friend. His legacy will always be a part of the Watson Institute, reminding us that true leadership is rooted in compassion, humor, and genuine care for others.

At the heart of the Angerman family beats a commitment to giving back to the community that spans generations. It's a legacy that started with Thomas (Tom) W. Angerman, who passed away in 2013. Tom was actively involved in his community of Oakmont, and served on the Board of Trustees of Craig House (now the Watson Institute’s Friendship Academy). Today, his son Mike continues his father’s legacy of commitment and giving.

Mike and his family have a deep connection to the Watson Institute. From his active role on the Board of Trustees to his participation in and support of events like the Pro-Am golf tournament, his commitment to Watson's mission is unwavering. But his involvement goes beyond participation; it's driven by a heartfelt dedication to making a real impact in our region to improve the lives of children with disabilities.

When the opportunity arose to support Watson's expansion campaign, Mike and his family viewed it as more than just a chance to contribute financially. It was a moment to come together, reflect on their shared values, and envision the legacy they wanted to leave behind. Working with Watson's development team, they decided to leverage their Donor Advised Fund (DAF) to make meaningful grants. Mike and his family submitted the grant requests and the sponsoring organization handled the documentation and grant disbursements directly with Watson.

For Mike, the decision was about investing in something that resonates within his family and inspires them: “It’s moving to come to Watson and see what a positive impact it has on so many lives.” Their gift wasn’t a transaction; it was a testament to their belief in the transformative impact that Watson achieves every day.

Join us in honoring the Angerman family's legacy - we invite you to become a part of our mission. With options like Donor Advised Funds, the Watson Institute makes it easy for you to partner in our mission and help children with special needs achieve their fullest potential. Learn more today about how you can make a lasting impact in partnership with the Watson Institute.