May 31, 1930 – July 31, 2022
It is with sad hearts that we share that Sister Mary Williams passed over into new life on July 31, 2022 in Santa Monica, California.
Sister Mary treasured her family and savored every moment shared with them. Her return to Pasco, Washington and the Northwest was one of her greatest joys. She was proud she had graduated from St. Catherine’s University in St. Paul and maintained connection with teacher and friends.
Above all else, Sister Mary was a beloved teacher. Her passion for learning was palpable. She recognized the power of story to reveal the best aspects of humanity and to open our hearts to see with new eyes. She lovingly embraced the joy and struggles of life. Her capacity to laugh at herself helped us to take our own lives a little lighter.
Sister Mary served our Los Angeles Province community with generosity and wisdom. She was a regional member of the Provincial Council, but most especially she was a treasured friend. She was profoundly dedicated to Mount Saint Mary’s University, her wonderful colleagues and students of many years. She nurtured long-lasting relationships across every aspect of her life.
I sure miss Sr Mary. She connected with me with her heart, with her eyes in laughter and in pain. I remember the loving look in her eyes when I experienced the pain of divorce and the death of my youngest sister. My heart took a picture. A woman of great and adventurous spirit! She even tried Asian food I cooked! She lives on in my heart. Rest In Peace, Sr Mary. Until we joyfully see each other again…
I loved Sister Mary Williams. She was my mentor and fellow humorist. I spoke with her throughout the years and she listened with such heart as I cried when my husband passed. All my love to her and the Mount.
Corinne Ising Dodge
I worked in the English Department of MSMC when Sr. Mary was chair of the department, 1991-2000. She taught me so much. She was kind and open-minded enough to hire me although I was finishing a pro-choice book on abortion, published in 1994.
I remember her being in charge of MSMC’s accreditation process twice while I was there–such an organized person and thinking of every detail that was needed.
She was a no-nonsense person, and I appreciated her trust in me.
She went by the rules. My only regret is that she never invited me to take the eucharist when a Mass was celebrated on campus. I was a Protestant, so I was not allowed to do so–but in my last year Marie Egan and Alexis Navarro invited me to share in the eucharist on the Doheny campus.