Daughter of Edison Watt (1897-1979), who worked as an official at the Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, and Floy (nee Smith) Watt (1892-1963), who worked in the adjustment department of Stix, Baer & Fuller in St. Louis for over 20 years.
Older sister, Elizabeth (1922-2014), was an English teacher.
Won the Edgar Bergen Scholarship to Northwestern University's School of Speech.
Met actor-husband Hal Studer while attending Northwestern University; they were married before graduation.
Passed away four days before the September 11 attacks.