Katharyn E. Williams

DEERFIELD, NH- Katharyn E. Williams quietly passed away in her sleep on December 21st after having lived a full and rich life. Born during a snowstorm on December 11, 1925 in Medford, MA to parents Theodore and Katharyn (Buck) Higgins, she departed this world during a snowstorm Sunday morning. In April of this year, Kay had a massive stroke and, as was her style, didn't let it get her down. She faced the most difficult challenge in her life and reached her goal of returning to her home in Deerfield for a brief time. She spent her final days at The Hospice House in Concord, NH before joining God in Heaven where she joins her husband, John Willams and one of her brothers, Richard Higgins. Her other brother, Robert Higgins of Connecticut, her son, Mark Williams of Deerfield, NH, daughters, Sharon Williams of Dover, NH and Julie Durette and son-in-law Arthur Durette of Pembroke, NH; 6 grandchildren, Alan Williams of Colebrook, Amanda Williams of Florida, Steven Williams of Westbrook, ME, Danielle Durette of AL, Matthew Williams of FL, Cassandre Durette of Pembroke, NH; great grandsons, Bryan Williams of Colebrook, NH, Tanner Williams and Tucker Williams of Westbrook, ME, and several nieces and nephews will miss her greatly and will try to live by her examples of love, generosity and compassion. Kay had many interests and activities that she held dear to her. She loved to travel, whether around the world to exotic places, or to the family camp in Maine, or even somewhere local to just be with friends and family. She was very active in her town and had a strong feeling for the politics and social aspects of the small town community, the conservation and preservation of lands and historical buildings/memorabilia, and the Deerfield Community Church. Kay also held dear to her the ocean. She was a UNH Marine Docent, ISHRA member and a Smuttynose Steward at the Isles of Shoals for many years passing this love on to others along the way. As a founding member of the Wentworth Hunt and a US Pony Club District Commissioner in the 1970s, horses were her focus and enjoyment for many years. A dedicated group of friends practiced yoga together for many decades, she belonged to a special group of quilters making many beautiful quilts over the years, and she enjoyed her weekly bowling sessions. Her greatest love was her family and friends. How many lives are so much the richer because of Kay Williams! Memorial services will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2009 at 11 am at the Deerfield Community Church, 15 Church Rd. Deerfield, NH. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Kay are encouraged to contribute to the Deerfield Community Church, PO Box 420, Deerfield, NH 03037.