Helen F. Williams

Helen was one of ten children born in 1928 to Michal and Zuzanna Ugolick in rural Poland. Helen’s daily farm chores at the age of 10 included grinding grain into flour, milking the cows, churning butter and babysitting her younger siblings. Good memories of her formative years in Poland and the close family ties forged at an early age would sustain her throughout her later life. In 1938, just months before Hitler invaded Poland, Helen’s life changed drastically. Her father, who was a US citizen, sensed impending danger and upheaval in Poland. He relocated his family to America where he hoped to create a more secure and prosperous life for his children. They eventually settled in Massachusetts but adjusting to a new American way of life was not always easy. When papa suddenly died, everyone pitched in to help support the family. Helen did her part and began work at an envelope factory, where she remained for 6 years. Helen’s weekends as a young adult were happily spent dancing the polka with her friends at local dance halls. One weekend in 1952, Helen caught the eye of a handsome Air Force Officer by the name of Bill Williams. Before long, Helen and Bill were dating and fell in love. When reassignment orders suddenly arrived for Bill to serve in the Korean War, they decided it was time to get married. Soon after their honeymoon, Bill left for his 10 month tour of duty to Korea while Helen returned to work and her family home. Once reunited, Helen and Bill moved with the military to assignments in Maryland (where their first child, Bill Jr., was born), Washington D.C. (where Susan and David were born), Hawaii and finally Florida. Helen always designated Hawaii as her favorite place to live and it saddened her “to leave paradise”, after being stationed there for 3 years. She greatly enjoyed being an officer’s wife and immersed herself in social activities on bases at each location. Known for her warm, loving and playful personality, she made many lifetime friendships with fellow military families and neighbors. Helen traveled worldwide with her husband throughout Bill’s Air Force career and well into their retirement years. She loved to cook for family and friends. But what Helen loved most of all was her family; from her six grown siblings and their families, to her own 3 children, 5 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Helen was also known as “Babcia” (Polish for Grandmother) to her immediate family and she happily sought out opportunities to spend time with all her grandchildren. Helen leaves her loved ones the following legacy: Always remember that family is everything, food is love and being Polish is a matter of great pride. Helen passed away on December 14, 2017 as a result of a stroke. She is survived by Bill Williams, her beloved husband of 65 years, sons Bill Jr. (Peggy) Williams, and David (Dawn) Williams, daughter Susan (Pete) Owens and 5 grandchildren (Jennifer, Julie, Michael, Chasity, Matthew), 3 great grandchildren (Anna, Adam and Gavin), and a sister, Manchi (George) Lolos. A Celebration of Life memorial service for Helen Williams will be held at DeGusipe Funeral Home in Maitland, Wednesday, Dec 20th from 1-3pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the International Rescue Committee at www.rescue.org, - providing education to vulnerable people worldwide.

Helen F. Williams

December 15, 1928 - December 14, 2017