Sandra “Sandy” Schwab Williams, 78, from Paoli went home to be with the Lord on October 27, 2017, after struggling eight years with cancer. She was born April 25, 1939 in Sellersville to Herbert B. Schwab, Sr. and Bernice Brunner Schwab. She attended Worcester School and Norristown High School, graduating in 1957 and then received a Bachelor of Science degree (1961) and Master degree (1968) in Home Economics from the University of Delaware. On August 19, 1961 at Central Schwenkfelder Church in Worcester, she married Howard Henry Drake Williams, Jr., to whom she was happily married for 56 years. Together they had three children, Howard Henry Drake Williams III, Wendy Williams Smith, and Christian Ambler Williams. Sandy also enjoyed her five grandchildren. She began her career teaching home economics in a north Wilmington school district. After she began her family, her interests turned towards volunteering. She served on many non-profit boards over the years, including being a Vista Volunteer. She was the President of the Junior League of Philadelphia (1978-1979) and was awarded Sustainer of the Year (2002). She served as President of Goodwill of Philadelphia (1980-1981). She was a board member of the Haverford School. She kept her own garden and was a long time member of the Junior League Garden Club and served on its Board. She raised flowers which won prizes in the Philadelphia Flower Show. Christian life was very important to her. She was actively involved with the Schwenkfelder Denomination for seventy years. She first attended the original Worcester Meeting House in 1947. She became a member of the Central Schwenkfelder Church in 1951. She served on Church Council for ten years. Previously she chaired as well as served on the Board of Deacons and the Mission Board. She was instrumental in bringing a Cambodian refugee family to resettle in Lansdale. She did home visitation for shut-in members. She was a Board member for the Schwenkfelder Library and Heritage Center where she served as the Chairman of the Development Committee and Chairman of the Nominating Committee. She also served on the Schwenkfelder General Conference Mission Board. Teaching was also a passion for Sandy. For years, she taught Sunday school for youth and adults. She loved to travel. Together with her husband, she visited the United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Poland, Italy, South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, India, and Israel. She is survived by her husband, her brother Herbert B. Schwab, Jr., her children and grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents. Her funeral will be held on Thursday at 11:00 am, November 2, 2017 at the Central Schwenkfelder Church (2111 Valley Forge Road, Lansdale 19446). Guests will be received from 9:30-10:45 am. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Schwenkfelder Library and Heritage Center (www.schwenkfelder.com) or the University of the Free State No Student Hungry Bursary Programme (www.ufs.ac.za/giving/institutional-advancement-(giving)-home). Online condolences may be made to the family at www.rlwilliamsfuneralhome.com
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I have just learned to Sandy's passing. I am truly sorry for this loss. My sincere condolences to Drake and your family. Met Sandy on the Schwenkfelder heritage tour in 2003. Always enjoyed talking with her. So was a very sweet lady.
Ellen Shepsko
Friend
June 2, 2018
Our condolences to the family. We are heartbroken for you and we shall miss Sandy very much on our future forays to the home country.
We shall think of you all often over the days and weeks ahead and of all Sandy's kindnesses to us and our family.
Roderick & Shaunagh Bromley
November 1, 2017
It is with great disbelief that we in Vaalgras,Namibia has learnt about the passing on of your beloved mum,we pray for God's solace over you and family during this time of bereavement....Mr Cedric Basson Mobile Number: 264812111893
Cedric Basson
October 31, 2017
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