Betty Antonia 'Toni' Williams

CHESHIRE- Betty Antonia “Toni” Williams, 79, passed away peacefully Saturday March 7th 2015 after a brief illness. Betty was born in London, England on March 31st, 1935 to the late Reginald J. and Betty (Richardson) Foort. She was the devoted wife of the late Howard G. Williams for 39 years.

Betty, also known affectionately by many as “Toni,” graduated from St. Paul’s School for Girls in Hammersmith, England and came to America with her family in 1951. She graduated from Clevenger College of Business Administration and worked at the British Consulate from 1952-1955. Betty moved to Chicago in 1955. She loved living and working as an executive secretary for the Chicago law firm, Kirkland Ellis until her marriage in 1960 when she moved to Bridgewater, Massachusetts and settled down with her husband, Howard.

Betty had many dear friends from her years of service in the Bridgewater Public School System working as a librarian, bus driver, and secretary. Betty loved learning. She took many classes throughout her entire adult life while raising her family and later returned to school as an older student to earn her Associate’s degree in Paralegal from Stonehill College in Easton, MA. She work for the law firm of Rivkind and Baker in Braintree, MA. In retirement, she moved to Buzzards Bay, MA and worked part time at the Liz Claiborne outlet.

Betty loved to read, cook, sew, knit, and garden. She loved sailing on Buzzards Bay and on the Maine coast in the summer with her husband. Betty was an avid sports fan and she especially loved Grand Slam tennis, Men’s Golf, and the New England Patriots. She was a member of St. Peter’s Church in Cheshire, CT. She had volunteered at the Meriden Humane Society and was an active volunteer for the American Heart Association. She was also a natural teacher and had a quiet way with children. She taught Sunday school, was a Girl Scout Troop leader and nurtured children through her life and travels. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.

Betty was a loving mother to Martha (Williams) Mitchell of Manchester, NH,Jonathan G. Williams of Cheshire and Beth Williams Bevilacqua of Cheshire. Grandmother to David H. Mitchell of Hartselle, AL, Jacob R. Mitchell of Hooksett, NH, and Julia A. Bevilacqua of Cheshire, CT. Great Grandmother to Reece Mitchell and Bryson Mitchell of Hartselle, AL. Betty is predeceased by her brother, Michael John Foort of Illinois. She will be sincerely missed all who knew her.

Arrangements- A memorial service in celebration of Betty’s life will be held at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 59 Main Street, Cheshire at 11:30 AM on Saturday March 28th, 2015. Alderson-Ford Funeral Home 615 S. Main St. Cheshire is assisting with the arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter’s Church- Children’s Programs, 59 Main Street, Cheshire, CT 06410. To view these arrangements online, share a story or condolence, please visit; www.fordfh.com