Obituary of Mary Rich-Williams

Mary Rich-Williams, 64, loving wife, mother, and grandmother, died unexpectedly on Monday, March 16th, 2015, in her home in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. Mary was born in Byron, New York on April 9, 1950 and spent her childhood on the Welch family farm, where she developed her life-long passion for cooking and crafting. She received her Bachelor's degree in Education at Mansfield University of Pennsylvania. A passionate advocate for families and children, Mary began her career working at Poughkeepsie Social Services. For the past decade, she served as the manager for the CASA and Compeer programs at the Mental Health America Family Support and Advocacy Services. She cared deeply for her own daughter, Jennifer, and took great joy in spoiling her new grandson, Henry. A die-hard Yankees and Jets fan, Mary shared a passion for the New York teams with her husband—and best friend—Gary Williams. The longtime couple married in 2012 and enjoyed a relationship filled with love, laughter, fun-filled beach vacations, and the joy of their adored miniature dachshund Bentley. She will be greatly missed by all. Mary is survived by her devoted husband, Gary L. Williams, daughter and son-in-law Jennifer and Justin Taylor, grandson Henry Taylor, sister and brother-in-law Elizabeth and Larry Fritz, nephews Matthew and Daniel Fritz, niece Marisa Fritz, and cousins Rick, Linda, Justin, Shara, and Braelyn Studler. She is predeceased by her parents, George H. Welch and Helen Bock, and cousin, Sarah Studler. Calling hours will be held at the Timothy P. Doyle Funeral Home, Inc., 371 Hooker Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603, on Sunday, March 22, 2015 from 4-7pm. A funeral service will be held on Monday at 11am in the same location. Burial will follow at the Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made in Mary's name to the Mental Health America Family Support and Advocacy Services of Dutchess County.