Shirley Williams Obituary

Shirley Thomas

Williams

SKANEATELES - Shirley Thomas Williams passed away peacefully in the home of her granddaughter Heather in Skaneateles, NY on September 7th, 2012.

She had recently relocated from Millbrook, NY where her daughter Dianne took care of her for the past seven years. She was born in Elmira Heights, NY on January 5th, 1917, the only child of Alfred C. and Emma Scarborough Thomas. On June 30th, 1938 she married Howard L. Williams Sr. at Oakwood Methodist Church. He predeceased her in 1982, along with her great-grandson, Dante McNeil Mostachetti.

She is survived by her sons Terry T. Williams (Muriel) of Harpersville, NY; Howard L. Williams, Jr. (Debi) of Warner Robbin, GA, and daughter Dianne A. McNeil of Millbrook, NY. She is also survived by six grandchildren, Robin McNeil Mostachetti, Jackie McNeil-Maddox (Cindy), Heather McNeil-Yeckel (Chris), Greg Williams, Howard Williams III and Tyrell Williams, along with her six great-grandchildren.

Shirley was a devote Christian, loving mother, loyal friend, accomplished violinist, and artist, leaving a legacy of beautiful oil and water color paintings to her friends and family. In later years she downsized to painted greeting cards and bookmarks, all of which are cherished by her loved ones. She had a talent for story-telling and acted as the family historian.

She graduated from Thomas A Edison High School, was a member of the Elmira-Horseheads Order of the Eastern Star along with the Chemung County DAR.

Her family would like to thank Belinda, Dawn, Mirella and all the Hospice staff and volunteers who made her last 2 years as comfortable and pleasant as could be. Their loving care and concern for her was inspirational.

Family and friends are invited to attend her Memorial Service at 12:00 noon on Friday Sept. 14, 2012 in Oakwood United Methodist Church 212 Oakwood Ave. Elmira Heights, NY 14903. Friends are also invited to call at the church from 11:30-12:00 noon before her service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Hospice Inc, 374 Violet Ave. Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 or Hospice of the Finger Lakes, 1130 Corporate Drive, Auburn, NY 13021 Funeral arrangements will be handled by the Barber Funeral Home in Horseheads, NY.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Poughkeepsie Journal on Sep. 12, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Shirley Williams

7 Entries

Joyce Wiedrich

September 15, 2012

My remembrances of Shirley first begin with stories to,d me by my mother Lorraine, Shirley's younger cousin by 6 years. My mother was in awe of her violin concerts, ans wanted me to hear her play, but by the time I came around, her playing days were over. Shirley designed and drew paper dolls for Lorraine by the hour. There were many fun times growing up with cousins Allegra, Shirley and Lorraine. In later years, there were Elmira and Keuka lake reunions, and visits to Dover to visit Shirley. Shirley outlived the many other Scarborough cousins, but in earlier days there were many shared celebrations between them. I remember Dianne's and Shirley's visits to our lake cottage, one in particular when Shirley enjoyed the lake via getting soaked sitting in the lawn hair in the shallow water. Lots of screams and laughs! Shirley was able to come to Chris and Heather's beautiful wedding at Keuka, family graduations and many activities, thanks to years of excellent caregiving by Dianne, and recently by Heather in her final days. Family put her needs first. Shirley had a sweet tooth, she loved the lemon drops I often sent her. She sent many hand painted cards and bookmarks that I have framed and treasure. She checked up on us frequently, and always said "I love you". Hugs to Dianne, Terry, and Howie, along with her treasured grandchildren, and blessings to Shirley for a life well lived.

John Comereski

September 14, 2012

The Williams Family: I am very sorry to hear of Shirley's passing. She was a wonderful lady and great neighbor. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Pam Wirsch

September 13, 2012

So glad Matt and I were able to visit "Auntie Shirley" while she was still with us here. She had such a wonderful listening ear and words of wisdom. You surrounded her with love and she was very fortunate to have such good care. I will always remember her fondly. Best wishes to all of you.

September 12, 2012

Dear Dianne, Robin, Julian, Katie, Heather, Jackie, Terry and Howard,
My deepest condolence to each of you. Hold on to the years of memories. Thank you for entrusting me to care for Shirley and allowing me to become a part of your loving family. I will always cherish Shirley's words of wisdom, the good days and the "crazy days". But, dearest to my heart, I will gently place her beautiful bookmarks in my schoolbooks everyday and smile!
Love you all,
Dawn Heusinger and Jeff and Charlie too.

September 12, 2012

"Auntie Shirley" will be missed, I have many memories of her and her wonderful family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Donna (Hapeman) Rodriguez

September 12, 2012

Dear Diane and family, so sorry to hear of your loss.I have such wonderful memories of Shirley...RIP dear friend..LOve to you all Kathy Wilbur,Amenia

Gladys McIntyre

September 12, 2012

We knew her as Mrs Williams. She was a wonderful lady and so sweet. My husband and I had a church in Dover and she quickly wanted to know all about it. We would visit her at least once a month for communion and loved listening to her talk about her past and especially her grandchildren.

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