Violet C. Williams

Rye – Violet C. Williams, 81, formerly of Rochester, passed away peacefully, June 3, 2014 at Webster at Rye surrounded by her loving family. She was born July 26, 1932 in Airdrie, Scotland, the daughter of the late James and Mary (Harrison) McIver. Raised and educated in Coatbridge, Scotland, Violet worked for several years for the British Railroad Company. In 1951 she met her future husband Neill, who was stationed aboard the USS Wasp. After maintaining a long distance relationship for three years, and with Neill now stationed in London, they were married on October 20, 1954 in Coatbridge. Violet and Neill moved back to the United States in 1956, and lived in several locations including Rhode Island, Puerto Rico, Tennessee, and Maine, during Neill’s naval career. She became a naturalized citizen of the United States in 1961. Upon his retirement from the U.S. Navy in 1971, they made their home in Portsmouth. With her warm smile and Scottish brogue which she never lost entirely, “Vi”, as she was affectionately called, made people feel welcome and comfortable in her presence. For many years she worked as a medical secretary in Portsmouth for Henry Robbins, MD, where her personality helped put patients at ease. She truly considered patients as an extended family. Vi was especially devoted to her family. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Her granddaughters loved spending time with “Nana” especially shopping trips or going out to dinner. She was blessed to be able to spend time with her three great grandchildren as well. Following her husband’s footsteps, Violet joined the Rye Lions Club in 2001. She worked tirelessly for Lion’s charitable causes, and held many offices at the club level as well as multiple district level. She rose to the office of District Governor for the year 2006-2007. She was a Melvin Jones Fellow, and Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow and was presently a member of the Portsmouth Lions Club. Vi cherished most however, the many friends she made around the world through Lions. Violet was a member of Beta Sigma Phi, which she joined in 1967, held all the leadership roles and achieved lifetime membership. She will miss the sisterhood she made with her sisters. She is survived by her husband of almost 60 years, Neill Williams; a daughter, Myra and her husband, Dr. James Fishbein of Greenland; granddaughters Jennifer (Dr. Ira) Lehrer of Stratham, Morgan (Gregory) Henneman of Towson, MD, and Jillian Fishbein of New Haven, CT; great grandchildren Alec and Jack Lehrer and Avery Henneman; a son, Allen Williams and his wife, Ann, and grandson Harrison Williams, all of Manchester; a brother, James McIver and his wife, Margaret of Currie, Scotland; a niece, Lorna Posthelwaite and a nephew, James McIver both of Scotland. Visiting hours will be from 2-5 P.M. Sunday, June 8, 2014 at the Remick & Gendron Funeral Home-Crematory, 811 Lafayette Road, Hampton. A Lions service will also be held at 3 P.M. followed by a Beta Sigma Phi in memoriam. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Private interment will be in the NH State Veterans Cemetery, Boscawen. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Lions Clubs International Foundation, 300 W. 22nd St., Oak Brook, IL 60523-8852.

Violet C. Williams

July 26, 1932 - June 3, 2014