Rita Ellen Williams

Rita Ellen Williams, beloved wife of George T. Williams III, passed away at home in Toms River, New Jersey on November 20, 2024. She was a loving mother to Kathleen (O’Reilly), Gregory, Mary Ellen and the late Georgie, and mother-in-law to Colm O’Reilly and Alyson (Lemke) Williams. Rita was a proud Nana to Cormac and Niamh O’Reilly and Julie and Kate Williams, who will always remember arts and crafts, day trips and many other fun activities with her. She is survived and sorely missed by her dearest sister Patricia (Pat) Cooper of West Roxbury, along with her nieces, nephew, cousins and dear friends who will never forget the love she brought to their lives.

Rita was born in Brighton, Massachusetts on August 27, 1941 to Ellen (Costello) and John McKenna. She married fellow Bostonian George Williams on June 25, 1966 and they raised their family in West Roxbury. In 2012 they relocated to Toms River, New Jersey, and were warmly welcomed into the Lake Ridge community.

Rita always had an extensive social network and took special joy in helping others. In Boston, she was a valued member of the West Roxbury Friends of Rosie’s Place women’s shelter. She also loved her “daycare kids” from the time when she was a home daycare provider. In New Jersey, Rita continued her community engagement through St. Luke’s Parish and the St. Vincent DePaul food pantry, where she was a dedicated volunteer. She established the Emerald Club, an Irish cultural appreciation society at Lake Ridge, and was also known for organizing many fun day trips and social activities for her Lake Ridge friends.

Rita loved spending summers with her family on Fieldston Beach in Marshfield, and built up an impressive sea glass and sand dollar collection over the years. Her love for the beach continued throughout her life, as did her love of books, cats, Rummikub and laughter with friends over endless pots of tea (or gin and tonics).

Rita was preceded in death by her cherished son Georgie, her father John, mother Ellen, brother Johnny and sister Margaret (Peggy) Aiello.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her name to the St. Vincent De Paul Food Pantry are appreciated (https://www.svdpstluke.org/donate).