Mary R Williams

Schenectady, NY. Mary Rose Williams, age 97, a loving and devoted mother and grandmother who spread kindness, love and strength to everyone she met, passed away peacefully at 97 on August 31, 2025.

A native New Englander, she was born September 3, 1927, in Somerville, MA and is the daughter of the late James F. and Lilla M. O’Donnell. Mary graduated from Medford High School in the Class of 1945. Following high school, she went on to work for the New England Telephone and Telegraph. It was there she met the love of her life, Paul F. Williams, whom she married in 1950 on Patriots Day. They started their family in Lexington, MA and later moved to Rotterdam, NY. They were married for 65 years before his death in 2015.

Throughout her life, Mary was an active member of the community and helped support many art and literacy programs throughout the Capital Region. She supported Ballet North in Schenectady helping with fundraising and volunteering and was part of the Mohonasen Music Parents while her children attended school. Mary was a volunteer at her granddaughter's library at Glendaal Elementary for many years and was a long-time volunteer at the Schenectady Literacy Program where she worked with adults learning English as a second language.

Mary had a long-standing career in real estate working for Plumb, Welborne and Purdy and Coldwell Banker Realty offices until she retired at the age of 85. She loved to travel and spend time with her family and friends, there were many winters spent in St. Croix and summers on Cape Cod. Mary could often be found playing bridge with friends, catching a Red Sox game on TV or spending time at the Saratoga Race course placing a small wager on the gray horse.

Mary is survived by her children, Linda Harrison and her husband Roger of Glenville, Thomas Williams and wife Diane of VT, James Williams and wife Kathleen of CT, and Paula Williams and fiance David of Scotia; grandchildren Jessica, Brittany, Laura, Amy and Maxine. Also surviving are seven great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased in death by brothers Joseph and James and sisters Charlotte, Eleanor and Frances.

The family will receive relatives and friends at DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home, 1605 Helderberg Ave., Rotterdam on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 from 4 to 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will commence at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, September 10, 2025 from St. Gabriel Catholic Church.

Kindly consider memorial offerings to City Mission of Schenectady, the American Cancer Society and the Reading is Fun Program (P.O. Box 9437, Schenectady, NY 12309). The family would like to offer their gratitude to Deborah and Cass, caring and dedicated companions for several years, and to Kingsway Community for their kindness.
Family and friends are invited to share in-line condolences and memories at DemarcoStoneFuneralHome.com.