Mildred E. Williams

Mildred "Millie" (Hayes) Williams, 100, passed away in her home Monday, March 2, 2026.

Born August 15,1925, in Worcester, PA, a small community in Montgomery County, PA, Millie was the second youngest of 7 children born to Charles and Ada Hayes. She experienced a happy childhood living in a farmhouse built in 1750. Her mother was a homemaker, her father a carpenter by trade. Although there wasn't always steady work, the family home was full of love, good times and was always decorated for every holiday, especially Christmas. Millie was a loving sister to Gertrude, Charles "Bud", Allen, Kenny, Ada "Dolly" and Thelma.

Millie had an interest in nursing from a very early age but was not old enough to pursue training in nursing without parental permission. Her father was hesitant for her to go into this field but he finally conceded and said, "if this is really what you want to do, I'll sign."

Upon completing her nursing education, Millie moved to Massachusetts to work, where she met and married the love of her life, William "Bill" Williams. After marrying in 1952, they moved to East Templeton. Bill's father looked at the house and said, "if you want to waste your money, go ahead and buy it." (Actually, Bill had already bought it). Millie enjoyed 73 happy years in this beautiful home.

Millie earned her RN at the former Hospital School of Nursing of Philadelphia. She served the field of behavioral health working at the former Gardner State Hospital, Rutland State Hospital and Heywood Hospital Mental Health unit.

Millie was a long-standing member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, participating in the church vestry while contributing to many church activities.

Millie was a wonderful homemaker and mother. She was a talented self-taught artist opening her house to others interested in learning how to paint. The "painting" group held an annual art show and was active until a couple months ago when Millie's health began to decline. Rumor has it that recently there was more talking and less painting. This group of ladies was a well-known entity and a source of friendship and community for Millie for many years.

Millie loved animals and plants. She spent much time in her gardens as well as watching wildlife on her property. She found pleasure observing the wonders of natural landscapes; snow, rain, forests, native plants, and animals. All forms of nature brought Millie joy and artistic inspiration.

Millie loved to read, travel, entertaining guests in her home and antiquing. She was a loyal fan of the Red Sox. Her interests were many and her accomplishments numerous, but of the many things she did very well, the best was that Millie was the very best friend that anyone could ever hope for. She was a good friend so in turn she was surrounded by good friends.

Millie is survived by Gretchen Williams (her son, David preceded her in death), Bob Taylor (her daughter, Elizabeth preceded her in death) and son, Michael Williams (Goldie) and grandchildren: Katherine Taylor, Abby Taylor, Thomas Williams, and Benjamin Williams, and several nieces and nephews from Pennsylvania.

Funeral Services will be held Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 79 Cross Street, Gardner, MA. There are no calling hours please report directly to church on the day of the service.

Graveside Services will be held Friday, March 13, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in Beverly Farms Cemetery, 100 Haskell Street, Beverly, MA.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Millie's name can be made to St. Paul Episcopal Church, 79 Church St. Gardner MA 01440