Mary Jane Williams

1933 - 2023

Mary Jane Williams, 90, of Naples, Florida, passed on December 10, 2023, after being hospitalized for a short time. She was born November 28, 1933, in New Haven, Connecticut, to Douglas MacFarland and Hazel Armstrong (of Springfield, VT). During her parent's pending divorce in the mid-40s, she was sent to live with her aunt Florence, in Townshend, VT. Somewhat of a tomboy, she loved playing outdoors in all seasons, swimming in the brook, playing with her dogs, and farm animals. She attended Leland & Gray High School and earned many honors and awards, graduating with the class of 1951. She attended Castleton Teachers' College until a blind date led her to the love of her life, Leland Williams of Rutland, VT. She grabbed a hold of him and never let go, marrying a short time later in 1953. Soon after, they moved with several family members to San Diego, CA, where they had 3 children. As they grew, she became involved in many activities. She was President of P.T.A., Girl Scout Leader, Cub Scout Leader, and she taught swimming for the Red Cross. She was a great cook and enjoyed cooking for others. In 1968, the family moved to Borrego Springs, CA, and she began work at First California Bank. In 1975, she became homesick for Vermont and moved the family there to help run the Cooper Hill Lodge near Mt. Snow ski resort. Her next job was working at Vermont National Bank in Brattleboro, VT, where she enjoyed working until she retired. After visiting a favorite cousin, she decided to make the move to Naples, Florida, where she spent the rest of her life. She volunteered at the Naples Botanical Garden and became the volunteer with the second most hours. In the last few years of her life, she spent many hours in her beautiful garden. She loved giving her vegetables away to friends and neighbors.

After her 90th birthday, she experienced pain and after a visit to the emergency room, she was admitted. She was there for a week, had many tests, and in the end, she was too tired to fight anymore. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Mary Jane was preceded in death by her husband, Leland Williams, both parents and a brother, Andrew MacFarland.

She is survived by her daughters, Linda (Gary) Brucker, Bloomington, IL., Colleen Sabatino, Castleton, VT, her son, Doug Williams, Naples, FL, three siblings, Kay (Bill) Stringer, Gail Turner, Chuck (Jane) MacFarland, and sister-in-law Nancy Polseno, 5 grandchildren, Scott Sabatino, Chris Sabatino, Mike Sabatino, of Vermont, Trish Krall of San Diego, and Ian Bassani, of Chicago, great-grandchildren, Landon Krall, Sadie Sabatino and Sam Sabatino. She is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews, and her cousin Don Osborn of Naples, FL.

Per her wish, she was cremated. Her funeral will be on Friday, June 7, 2024, at the Newfane Congregational Church and burial in Fairview Cemetery, Wardsboro, Vermont, where her husband is buried. Memorials may be directed in her name to Naples Botanical Garden.