Janice Louise Williams, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and devoted wife, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2025, just days after celebrating her 90th birthday on Christmas Eve. She was born to Edgar and Gertrude (Pyne) Knowlton in Milford, MA, on December 24, 1934.
Janice’s life was defined by her unwavering love and dedication to family. As a wife and mother, her priorities were always centered on her loved ones. She was the consummate homemaker, known for her talents in cooking, baking, sewing, knitting, quilting, decorating and flower arranging. She created a warm and loving home where cherished memories were made. In every way, she embodied the matriarch’s role, offering unconditional love and shaping the future generations with grace and wisdom.
A lifelong collector and maker of dolls, Jan enjoyed sharing her treasures with friends and family, creating lasting memories through each carefully crafted figure. She also dedicated much of her time to volunteering for various charitable causes, bringing joy to others through selfless service.
Janice was predeceased by her loving husband of 65 years, David Williams Sr., her parents Edgar and Gertrude Knowlton, and brothers Barry and Tony Knowlton, and brother-in-law Dr. Kenneth Hildreth.
She is survived by her sisters Rosemary Hildreth and Nancy (John) Mahoney, her five children: Lori (David) Warren, Donna (Alec) Kent, Kathy (David) Shanks, David Jr. (Loretta) Williams, and Sally (Paul) McIsaac. She was a proud grandmother to 10 grandchildren: Scott and Jennifer Warren, Christopher, Matthew, and Brandon Shanks, Kevin, Timothy, and Jenna Williams, and Hannah and Finlay McIsaac. Janice also leaves behind eight great-grandchildren: Patrick and Katherine Warren, Claudia and Carmen Shanks, Nora and Benjamin Loveland, and Eleanor and Harry Williams.
Her legacy of love, kindness, and devotion will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate to know her.
The family would like to express its sincere appreciation to The Branches of Marlboro and the Coleman House for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Bright Focus Foundation for Alzheimer’s research (www.brightfocus.com).
Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, January12, 2025, from 3pm to 5pm at the Morris-Johnston Funeral Home, 40 Main St., Southborough, MA 01772. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, January 13, 2025, at 11:00AM at St. Rose of Lima Church, 244 W. Main St., Northborough, MA 01532. A private burial service will happen at a later date.
(Photo and Obituary via Morris-Johnston Funeral Home)
