Obituary of Elizabeth A. Williams

Elizabeth A. “Liz” Williams Jamestown, NY Elizabeth A. “Liz” Williams, of 136 Aldren Ave., formerly of Olean, NY passed away Wednesday, (March 1, 2023) at Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care, The Star House, in Lakewood. Liz was born September 16, 1943 in Lackawanna, NY the daughter of William and Rose Stanley McMahon. On November 3, 1962 in Buffalo, she married Gary T. Williams, who survives. Liz went to Mount St. Joseph’s Academy for elementary school and St. Mary’s Seminary for High School, both in Buffalo. She later graduated from the former St. Francis Hospital School of Nursing in Olean. She began her nursing career as a licensed practical nurse for Sisters of Charity in Buffalo, then at St. Francis Hospital in Olean. She later worked at the St. Elizabeth Motherhouse. She retired from the Rehabilitation Center where she worked in direct care for individuals with intellectual disabilities. While raising her children before returning to work, Liz served as an advocate for the local chapter of Birthright, as a nursing consultant for Cattaraugus County’s Meals on Wheels program, and an active member of the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels as a Eucharistic Minister. Liz’s family was such a gratifying part of her life. She, along with her husband, raised 7 children and she sat on many committees regarding their education. Additionally, with her naturally kind and giving heart and desire to help others, she and Gary opened their home and fostered many young people through the auspices of Catholic Charities and later in life opened their home to several adults in need of a family care setting. She leaves behind her husband Gary of 60 years; 7 children Rich (Rebecca) Bean of Olean, Gary (Marsha) Williams, Jr. of St. Croix, Virgin Islands, Timothy (Renèe) Williams of Olean, Patricia (Dave) Rizzo of Jamestown, David (Lisa) Williams of Pittsburgh, PA, James Williams of Jamestown, and Molly (David) Dulaney of Pittsburgh, PA; 16 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; 2 sisters-in-law Beverly Lampack and Onalee (Ronald) Maine, both of Olean, brother-in-law Andrew Cole of Hinsdale, and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by an infant son Gregory Williams. Friends will be received on Sunday from 1-4pm at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home, 3128 W. State Rd., Olean. A prayer service will be held Monday, (March 6, 2023) at 1:00 PM in the Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 1:30 PM at the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels. Rev. Peter Bassey will concelebrate the mass with Rev. Gregory Dobson. Burial will take place later at St. Bonaventure Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Genesis House, 107 S. Barry St., Olean, NY 14760, or to the Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care- The Star House, 20 W. Fairmount Ave., Lakeview, NY 14750.