Obituary of Martha Williams

Martha “Marty” Hollingsworth Williams, 88, died Monday, December 31, 2007 at Waveny Care Center in New Canaan. Born November 3, 1919 in Scarsdale, New York, she was the daughter of the late Marguerite and Robert S. Erskine. Mrs. Williams was a resident of Darien for over 50 years. Mrs. Williams graduated from Bennington College in 1940 and received a Masters Degree in Music from the University of Arizona in 1942. In 1946, she became a registered nurse at the Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in New York City where she worked as head nurse until 1951 when she married Dr. Frederick Davis Williams, an ophthalmologist in Stamford, CT. She is survived by her daughter Martha “Brooke” Carol Williams of Freeport, ME; two sons, Frederick “Fritz” Davis Williams of Vineyard Haven, MA; and Roger Sherman Williams, his wife Paula Wacha Williams and their son, Frederick Robert Williams of New Canaan, CT. She is also survived by a brother, Robert S. Erskine of New York City. Mrs. Williams was an active volunteer for the town of Darien. She started in the 1960’s as a member of the PTA, soon becoming President of the Royle School PTA. She later became involved in the Darien Community Council where she served as Chairman of the Health Division and later Chairman of the Community Council. In 1974, she became the first woman President of the Darien United Way. She also served as the Chairman of the Council of School Parents and was elected to the Representative Town Meeting where she became a member of the Town Government Structure and Administrative Committee. After her efforts with the United Way and town politics, she helped found Darien Answers and joined the Advisory Commission on Aging, serving as secretary. In the 1980’s she worked to complete a housing project for the elderly. While her original plans were voted down by the Planning and Zoning Commission, a facility was later built at a different location. She was a “leading force” in the creation and management of the Call-A-Car and Gallivant van services for the handicap and elderly, frequently driving citizens herself to shop, doctors, or other errands. She also served as Chairman of Infoline of Southwestern Connecticut. In 1975, she received the Woman of Achievement Award from the Darien Community Council, in 1980 and in 1983 she received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Voluntary Action Center of SW Fairfield County, and in 1985, she was honored as co-citizen of the year by the Darien Chamber of Commerce along with long-time friend, Dr. Lawrence Horton. Mrs. Williams was an avid gardener, dog lover, and cancer survivor. A memorial service will be held at the Lawrence Funeral Home, 2119 Post Road, Darien, CT at 2:00 PM on Friday, January 4, 2008. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Waveny Care Center, 3 Farms Road, New Canaan, CT 06840. Funeral arrangements are by the Edward Lawrence Funeral Home in Darien. Funeral Home: Edward Lawrence Funeral Home 2119 Post Road Darien, CT USA 06820