There are some people in life who simply make it better. Our beloved Aunt, Jane A. Williams, was such a person. Sadly, she left us on Friday, January 30, 2026. She had lived a life of 102 years.
Born on January 5, 1924 to Joseph A. and Helen Leech Williams of Wilkes Barre, PA, she was the fourth of five children and the lone survivor: Mary W. Yeager of Houston, TX, Helen W. Nolan of Stamford, CT, Joseph A. Williams of Wilkes Barre, PA and Gertrude W. Smith of Mountaintop, PA. Jane was a resident of Vicars Landing, Ponte Vedra, FL at the time of her death. It should be said that she felt that the magnificent attention and activities she experienced for 21 years at Vicars Landing prolonged her life and gave her happiness. Thank you, Vicars.
Yet she would undoubtedly want to be remembered as a proud New Yorker of over 50 years! Having graduated from St. Ann’s Academy and Rosemont College, Rosemont, PA, Jane received an MA from Fordham University. She launched a career as a social worker, eventually becoming Director of Social Services at Beekman Downtown Hospital in Manhattan. After retirement, she threw herself into many different avenues of volunteerism, such as, probably her favorite, the main branch of the New York Public Library.
Jane was an avid pursuer and supporter of culture, in all forms. An intellectual, politically engaged, she was a great reader, she loved the theatre, the ballet, the opera, the symphony, the art museums, haute cuisine - the perfect New Yorker, who gave back.
She had 25 nieces and nephews and many great-nieces and nephews, all of whom cherished her. Not only was she beloved by many of their friends, but she also had a huge retinue of her own friends, pretty much all of whom pre-deceased her.
We will remember her wonderful sense of humor and oftentimes edgy wit. And her giggle - that charming giggle! She was a wonderful addition to life on this planet, and we all miss her terribly.
A funeral outside of Mass is to be held at Vicars Landing on Febryary 20, 2026.
A Mass of Christian burial at St. Leo’s Catholic Church and interment in St. Mary’s Cemetery will take place in Wilkes Barre, PA in the Spring.
