Obituary of Rita P. (Phelan) Williams

Rita P. (Phelan) Williams, 85, of Peabody, wife of the late George Williams, died at her home on Friday, December 10, 2010 with her family at her side. Mrs. Williams was born in Peabody on September 1, 1925, daughter of the late James and Bridget (Leahy) Phelan. She was raised in Peabody and graduated from St. John the Baptist Girls High School Class of 1943, and was a lifelong resident of the city. Mrs. Williams was the personal secretary to Peabody Mayor Mavroules and later served as his Congressional Liaison for District 6 in Lynn until her retirement in 1989. While raising her family she was a mother who devoted her life to creating a home for them and later was so proud of her grandchildren and their accomplishments, and most recently her great grandchildren whom she cherished. Her passion was first and foremost in politics, and she enjoyed belonging to the Friends of the South Branch Library and the book club. As hobbies she enjoyed her gardens and knitting. Mrs. Williams is survived by her children and their spouses, Roger A. and Patricia A. Williams of Beverly, Richard O. and Patricia A. Williams, and Ellen S. and Ralph E. Viger all of Peabody; her grandchildren and spouses, Mark and Sandy Williams of Beverly, Jason Viger of Cambridge, Heather and Chris Trainor of Lynn, and Rachel Viger of Peabody; 3 great grandchildren, Grace and Finn Williams and C.J. Trainor; a sister-in-law, Elizabeth Phalen and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by 2 grandsons, James and Gary Williams and her siblings Mary Dubee, Margaret Richard and James Phalen. Her funeral will be held on Tuesday, December 14, 2010 at 9 a.m. from the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Ann Church, 140 Lynn St., Peabody. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Visiting hours are Monday, December 13, 2010 from 5 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Williams name to the Friends of the South Branch Library, 78 Lynn St., Peabody, MA 01960. Burial in Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, Peabody.