Patricia Packard Williams died peacefully on January 26, at her home at the age of 100 with her family by her side.
Patricia was born in West Palm Beach, Florida to Dorothy and John Gilmore, and was later adopted by her maternal grandparents, George and Vivien Packard. She grew up in White Plains, New York, before attending Syracuse University, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music.
In 1949, Pat married Robert “Bob” Cody Williams. Together, they shared a love of Broadway musicals, big band music, world travel, service in their church and community, and the joy of entertaining friends and family with open hearts and generous hospitality. Pat’s love of singing was infectious, and she passed that joy on to her children. She taught music and performed with the Westchester Savoyards, and throughout her professional life worked as a music teacher, with the Rockland County Girl Scout Council, and as a consultant for Reformed Church Women in the Synod of New York.
A devoted and supportive mother, Pat encouraged the interests and talents of her children, Bradford and Lorma, with unwavering love. She served as a Den Mother, Girl Scout leader, junior choir director at her church, and a master planner of memorable summer vacations. Following retirement, Pat and Bob settled in Holland, Michigan.
She was predeceased by her son, Brad Williams, in 1993, and her husband, Bob Williams, in 2011.
She is survived by her daughter; Lorma Freestone (Ken); grandchildren, Aubrey Garcia (Manny) and Cody Freestone (Amber Emery), and chosen family, Todd, Jeff and Blake Delmay. Pat was blessed with two great-grandchildren, Oceano Garcia and Thessaly Freestone. She is also survived by her sisters, Carolyn Hitchcock and Sally Lyle, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Pat’s life is:
Tuesday, July 7, 2PM
Calvary on 8th. 995 East 8th St. Holland, MI 49423
In lieu of flowers, Pat requested that donations be made in her memory to Hope Repertory Theatre at https://hope.edu/offices/hope-summer-repertory-theatre/support-hsrt/index.html or by mail to PO Box 9000, Holland, Michigan 49422 or the Holland Area Arts Council at https://hollandarts.org/donate or by mail to 150 E. 8th Street • Holland, MI 49423.
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