Mary B Williams-Zielonka

Mary was born in Haverhill, Massachusetts, to parents of French-Canadian heritage and was raised with a quiet strength and independent spirit that would shape her nearly century-long life. She remained a positive, loving, and generous presence—meeting each stage of life with engagement and an open heart. As a mother and stepmother, she was deeply involved in her family, offering steady support, encouragement, and humor.

As a young woman, she worked as a telephone operator and, after graduating from MacIntosh Business School, began a varied career that included positions as a secretary for both the U.S. Navy and a Boston-area college. While living at the YWCA in Boston, she formed friendships and experiences she recalled with lasting fondness. In her late twenties, she met her first husband, John Williams, a chemical engineer at Bolta Products, a division of General Tire and Rubber. She became a stepmother to his young son, Thad, and soon after welcomed a daughter, Elizabeth, followed by two sons, Matthew and David.

With their youngest just two years old, the family relocated to Easton, Pennsylvania, for John’s new position. Mary became deeply involved in her community, encouraging her children’s activities and dedicating herself to volunteer work.

In Pennsylvania, Mary was the steady anchor of her family. While her first husband, John, traveled for work, she balanced the demands of home with a strong commitment to her community. A natural leader, she dedicated herself to civic duty through the League of Women Voters and Juvenile Justice Services, where she developed programs that left a lasting mark. When her children were grown, she returned to work at Lafayette College as a secretary and pursued a college degree. Later, she obtained her real estate license and built a successful career in real estate while continuing her volunteer activities.

She took great pride in creating a warm and welcoming home, maintaining it with exceptional care and attention. Her home was always clean, thoughtfully arranged, and decorated to reflect the changing seasons. She spent many hours driving her children to activities and weekends cheering on her sons at swim meets. She encouraged her children to stay actively engaged in life. She held clear standards and approached family life with conviction and consistency. Though her guidance could at times feel exacting, it was grounded in a deep commitment to her children’s well-being and future.

When life brought the early loss of her first husband shortly after his retirement, following 35 years of a loving marriage and partnership, Mary chose to begin a vibrant new chapter in Fort Myers. Rather than slowing down, she leaned into the Florida sun. She became a certified Florida Master Naturalist, took sailing lessons, and spent her afternoons golfing with friends. There, she found love again with Alfred (Al) Zielonka. Together, they built a life marked by friendship, humor, mutual respect, and a wide circle of friends.

A lifelong artist, Mary saw the world through the lens of a watercolorist. She was a founding member of the Art Studio at Cypress Cove, and her brushes were most often drawn to the shifting light of the ocean, the fire of a Gulf sunset, and the intricate beauty of coastal landscapes. Her faith was equally central to her life, and she found a spiritual home as an active member of Saint Columbkille Church.

The way she painted is the way she lived. She saw beauty in the small details that others might miss. Her palette of kindness and her vibrant spirit will live on in every sunset we watch and every story we tell. Whether she was walking the beach in search of the perfect shell, dancing to a jazz ensemble, or sharing a sharp-witted joke, Mary’s warm, engaging smile was a constant. She lived with a rare kind of presence—one that made everyone in her orbit feel seen and encouraged.

Mary was predeceased by her parents, Raymond and Leona Brunelle; her siblings, Raymond, Robert, and Elaine; her husbands, John Williams and Alfred Zielonka; her son, Thad Williams; her nephew, Barry, and her stepdaughters, Diane Zielonka and Christine Pellow.

She is survived by her brother, Richard Brunelle (Lorraine); her children, David Williams (Jill), Matthew Williams (Katherine), and Elizabeth Williams; and her grandchildren, Dalia Williams, Mark Williams, and Jacob Williams. She is also survived by her stepchildren, Carole Roman (Bob), Denise Ripstein (Rick), and Joanne Lenahan (Daniel); many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family; and Al’s grandchildren, especially Jillian Oleandi and Blaise Roman, with whom she shared a close relationship as his grand-mère..

Interment will be private. A memorial service will be held at 10:30am on June 12, 2026, at St. Columbkille Church in Fort Myers followed by a celebration of life at Cypress Cove.