Obituary of Alice A. Williams

Alice A. Williams, 86, Honesdale, Pa., died unexpectedly at home on October 29,2017. She was born in Hawley, PA, to Anna and Frank McKeel, both deceased. She was one of five siblings, all of whom preceded her in death. Alice met her husband of many years, Frederick Williams, in the produce section of the Hawley A&P soon after Fred returned from serving in Japan after WWII. They married in 1948 and had three children, Deborah, Nancy and Clark. Fred, a beloved musician, died in 1982. Alice was his devoted nurse through a long illness and never remarried. She also cared for her mother for many years before Anna's passing. Music was a big part of their family, and the Old Time Fiddlers Group started in their living room. Alice played the piano and sang with Fred when they were young. Alice and Fred were original members of the Pleasure Riders Motorcycle Club and participated in many wonderful outings on their Harley. In their later years, they enjoyed taking long rides on their horses near their home in Torrey, PA. The matriarch is sadly missed by Deborah and husband Kenneth McDonnell, of Holden, MA; Nancy and husband Rick Erhardt, of Beach Lake, PA; and Clark Williams and wife Dr. Amy Platko-Williams, of Honesdale. Alice was extremely close to and proud of her five grandchildren, Kelly Bucconear, of Hawley; Tyler and Cody McDonnell, of Holden; Lizzy and Katie Williams, of Honesdale; and her great grandson, Griffin Seales, of Hawley. She was often seen in the grandstands cheering them on. She remained close to her niece Patricia McKeel, of Hawley. Special friends included her morning coffee klatch, her weekly Canasta Club and best friend of more than 60 years, Molly Bellen. She and Molly spent many summer days picnicking with their children at local lakes. And Alice spoiled Timmy, her precious kitty. A lifelong homemaker, Alice taught her kids how to make a good pie crust, keep a clean house and comfort a sick child. She was an avid golfer both in Pennsylvania and Florida and enjoyed long walks until recently. Lately she brightened the Senior Center exercise classes. She was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church and one of the original volunteers at The Other Shop. With a big heart, she was always ready to help a friend or neighbor in need. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wayne County Food Pantry, Wayne County Area Agency on Aging, 323 10th St., Honesdale, PA 18431, where Alice was a dedicated volunteer. A celebration of Alice's life will be held on Saturday, December 23, 2017, from 4-6 PM at the Dorflinger-Suydam Sanctuary on Long Ridge Road, White Mills, PA 18473. Arrangements were made with care by Arthur A. Bryant, Funeral Director, of Honesdale. Her ashes will be interred with Fred's in the Calkins Cemetery.