SPRUCE HEAD — Virginia Heggie Williams, born April 25, 1922, died peacefully on October 13, 2019 at Sussman House in Rockport. 

Known as Ginny to family and friends, she was known for her devotion to family and friends, and was a singular support for her husband and children. She attended Girls’ Latin School (1939) in Boston and continued to Simmons College (1943) in Boston where she studied Nutrition.  

After graduation, she was employed in South Chicago and Baltimore where she worked on nutrition issues associated with alcoholics. She then returned to Boston to earn her Masters in Public Health from Harvard 1950. 

While teaching at the Peter Bent Brigham Hospital, she met her future husband, Thomas W. Williams MD, who was serving his pathology internship. They were married in 1952 in Jamaica Plain, MA and proceeded to have 6 children whom she raised with an interesting combination of an iron hand and judicious neglect. She was a fierce advocate and protector of her children and their friends and instilled in them acceptance of everyone. 

In 1962, they moved to Camden, Maine where she became involved in many organizations like the Hospital Auxiliary, the Audubon Society, and the Camden Yacht Club. She did some consulting with nursing homes and Meals on Wheels relative to nutritious meals. She was progressive and visionary in her views of womens’ health, following in the footsteps of her mother who was a suffragette in Boston.

Her liberal use of eggs, cream, and cheese made Undercliff well known as the house of sauces; many enjoyed fine meals around the candle lit dining room table. She was known for being the most gracious hostess, an amazing cook, a devoted wife and mother, and a thoroughly kind individual. She hosted numerous visiting sailors, musicians, and students, and took in several youngsters who needed a place to live for a while. She could stretch any meal to add people to the dinner table. Nothing made her happier than having all her children around her. She will be missed. 

Predeceased by her husband, Thomas W. Williams on May 10, 2017 and their son, Thomas W. Williams, Jr.; surviving are five children, Betsy Stivers and her husband, John; David Williams and his wife, Kathleen; Peter Williams and his partner, Ann Moody; Kathi Williams; Martha Flint and her husband, Bill; grandchildren, Taylor and Haley Williams; Margaret and Caroline Keefe; Alice and David Flint; Harry and Marny Stivers; and many nieces and nephews. 

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to her dear friend of over 40 years, Beverly Boivin, as well as her care providers who became close friends, Bonni Jonasson, Mary Mayo, James Calinda, William Robbins, and Francesca Thorn. Special thanks to her kind neighbors, Jim and Fran Quinn, whose gracious assistance made it possible for Mum to remain in her home until a few months before her passing.

A memorial service followed by a reception will be held Saturday, November 9, at 10 a.m., at the First Congregational Church UCC, 55 Elm Street, Camden, with the Rev. Dr. Susan Stonestreet officiating.

If desired, memorial gifts may be made to the St. George Fire & Rescue, 3 School Street, St. George, ME  04860. 

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.longfuneralhomecanden.com. 

Arrangements are with the Long Funeral Home, 9 Mountain Street, Camden.