Southborough – Arlene M. Williams, 94, departed this world for heaven Friday, April 1, 2016, after a long period of declining health, while a resident of Beaumont Northborough. Today we rejoice in the knowledge that she has passed the barrier of time as we know it and is forever at home with the Savior she faithfully served.
Arlene was born in the coastal town of Brooklin, Maine. She was the oldest of five siblings, and grew up on a farm during the Depression. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 45 years, Ernest (Bud) Williams, in 1985. She and Bud moved from Maine to Massachusetts in 1949, eventually settling in Southborough. For generations of Southborough elementary school children, she was known as Mrs. Williams, the Lunch Lady, working at South Union and Mary E. Finn Schools. She prepared their lunches “from scratch,” including homemade cookies and brownies.
Arlene loved to cook and her family and friends were highly appreciative. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren will always remember her for her yeast rolls and cookies. Her friends and church family will fondly recall her trays of Christmas cookies.
Arlene was an ardent Red Sox fan. She rarely missed a game and was ecstatic when they won the World Series in 2004.
She served the Lord and her church faithfully. As a long term, active member of First Community Church in Southborough, Arlene served in many capacities and was always the first to volunteer to help the church or one of its members. She gave rides, visited shut-ins, and brought meals to those in need. She also volunteered at the Food Pantry and for the Red Cross. In her later years, she would be blessed by having others do the same for her. She will be greatly missed by all.
She is survived by her son, Richard Williams and his wife Gloria; her daughter, Susan Wright and her husband Ted; eight grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; a brother, Merrill Means and his wife Brenda; a sister, Madeline Smith and her husband Russell; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sister, Carolyn Hooper, and her brother, Ralston (Junior) Means.
A Christian memorial service and interment will be held Saturday, April 23. Interment will be at 10 a.m. at the Southborough Rural Cemetery, 11 Cordaville Rd, Southborough. Following the interment, there will be a memorial service at 11 a.m. at the First Community Church, 105 Southville Rd., Southborough. Arrangements are under the direction of the Morris Funeral Home of Southborough.
Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to the First Community Church.
To leave words of condolence to the family, visit www.morrisfuneralparlor.com.
