Jeannine Williams, a Massachusetts Nurses Association labor leader and nursing champion, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 9.
To make a donation in memory of Jeannine Williams, who was the former president of the Massachusetts Nurses Foundation, please use the drop down menu on this page http://www.massnurses.org/about-mna/mnf/scholarships under "Scholarship Preference."
Please pass this information on to others. Also, please note that any checks that are being mailed in should be made out to the “Massachusetts Nurses Foundation” with a notation on the check “In Memory of Jeannine Williams."
See Jeannine’s obituary below.
Jeannine Williams Obituary
1935 – 2016
Jeannine Rita Williams, 81
Manchaug – Jeannine passed away on Saturday, October 9th with her loving family by her side. She was born in Calais, Maine and raised in St. Stephen, N.B. Canada with her brothers Harold who predeceased her and his wife Sally, Tracy and his wife Joyce, and Gary with his wife Marie. Jeannine was the only daughter of the late Edgar and Mary (Tracy) Burns. Upon moving to the U.S. she met the love of her life Bryce R. Williams Sr. who also predeceased her. She leaves behind three sons, Bryce R. Williams II and wife Patty of Westboro, Dwayne E. Williams and wife Paula of Whitinsville, Jon-Gary Williams and wife Rachel of Chicopee, as well as her two daughters Tracy J. Distefano and husband Ralph of Manchaug, Tricia C. Harris and husband Mike of Sutton. She leaves behind ten adoring grandchildren, Bryce III, Shaun, Tyler, Brittany, Miranda-Bryce, Trinity, Domenic, Andreanna, Caleb, and Cadence.
She was an industrious member of the Massachusetts Nurses Association and held a position on the board of directors for several years. She had also served as President of the Massachusetts Nurses Foundation. While accomplishing all of this, she was presented with many accolades including the 2007 Judith Shindul Rothschild Award and the 2012 MNA Retired Member of the Year Award. Jeannine also spent several years playing in the MNA Rosemary Smith Scholarship golf tournament with her son and friends and was crowned champion several times. She retired in 1996 from the former Westboro State Hospital and began spending her winters as a "Snow Bird" with her brother Tracy, sister-in-law Joyce, and her late mother Mary.
She had a colorful past which included racing cars in Canada as well as being an avid candlepin bowler for several years, playing in many tournaments throughout New England. At the later stages of life she took up golf and as challenging as it was she loved to play with her friends and family right up until the time she left us. Upon retirement, when home for the summers, she was actively involved in volunteerism. She spent many days helping at the Sutton Senior Center, either checking blood pressures for the members or setting up trips and weekly card games. She also ran a cribbage and pitch league for anyone that was interested in attending at the Dudley Gendron American Legion Post 414.
She would like to thank all of her friends and well wishers for their support during these trying times. She has too many close friends to mention but you know who you are. Her family would also like to thank all that have given support, many of which were invaluable during this time. There will be a tribute to Jeannine to celebrate her life at the Dudley Gendron Post 414, 158 Boston Road, Sutton on Friday, October 14 at 5-8pm. In lieu of flowers we would encourage all to donate to The Jeannine R Williams Scholarship Fund, MNF, 340 Turnpike St, Canton, MA, c/o Cindy Messia. The family would also be remiss without thanking the wonderful staff at the Salmon VNA and Hospice of Greater Milford. Like her; remember that life is short so live it to the fullest!
Published in Worcester Telegram & Gazette from Oct. 11 to Oct. 12, 2016
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