Ellen Mary “Eileen” Williams

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Ellen Mary “Eileen” Williams

6.6.22 to 3.20.17

Eileen was born in her beloved Scotland to Cornelius Coughlin and Elizabeth McAnally, the first of five children. With the outbreak of WWII, her life was forever changed. Then living in Gourock, Scotland, a port town on the Firth of Clyde, she saw hundreds of military ships from all over the world dock and depart. She met many young men far from home, but the one that caught her eye was Chief Petty Officer Bill Williams, whom she married in May 1944. Three days later he returned to his ship and set sail for parts unknown as he continued his service in the Navy. In 1945 she sailed to the U.S. aboard a troop ship carrying 3000 soldiers (and a priest). She was leaving behind her family, heading to a country where she did not know a soul, to wait with Bill’s family for him to come home.

In her 44 years of marriage to Bill, they were stationed from Bayonne, NJ to San Diego, CA; from Pensacola, FL to Seattle, WA, choosing to settle in KC after his retirement. Along the way they had four children: Elizabeth Anne, Maureen (Ned Carlin), Rusty, and Frankie. In 1988 and ’89, she became a grandmother to Thomas and Alley, beginning what she called the best years of her life.

Mom was a happy homemaker and a generous volunteer, from her Gray Lady days on bases to her 28 years at Little Sisters of the Poor. She was active in her church, planning funeral luncheons, being a Stephen minister, and reading at liturgies with wee bit of her lovely brogue coming through.

Her friendships were many, but she held especially dear Harold Baggerly and Joyce Locke. The family would like to thank Lyka, her most recent friend, who helped care for Mom these past few months.

Mom died on March 20 in the way she had always prayed for: at her home, surrounded by her family.

We will celebrate her life on Friday, March 24, at St. Matthew Apostle Church, 8001 Longview Road, KCMO 64134. The family will gather at 10:00 A.M. to greet friends, and the liturgy will begin at 11:00 A.M. The family will take her remains at a later date to Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery to unite her with her beloved Bill.

We ask for no flowers. Donations can be made to St. Matthew’s Church, hospice, or to the charity of your choice. Mom gave regularly to veteran’s groups and pet charities.

Condolences

  1. Joe Saviano on March 23, 2017 at 8:47 am

    Pete,
    I am so very sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. I remember her from the
    St. Catherine’s days, along with your Dad. She (and you) will be in my prayers.
    Joe Saviano



  2. H. Kay Soulis on March 23, 2017 at 9:04 am

    What a lovely life your Mother had. The video was so joyful and her smiles carry throughout. Thinking of you and your family at this time of great loss.



  3. Ken Douglas on March 23, 2017 at 9:32 am

    Pete, so very sorry for your loss! Your Mom and family will be in my thoughts and prayers!



  4. Mark B on March 23, 2017 at 9:57 am

    Pete, Sorry for your loss.
    Mark Brummel



  5. Pam Martin Votto on March 23, 2017 at 10:21 am

    I’m so sorry for your loss Pete.



  6. Marilyn Kelley on March 23, 2017 at 10:51 am

    Pete, I am so very sorry! No words can help the pain right now. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.



  7. Gloria Straley Hember on March 23, 2017 at 10:54 am

    What an absolutely beautiful life she lived. That must bring you all tremendous comfort now and in the future. So sorry for your loss, but happy for her wonderful life on earth.



  8. Richard "Rick" Cernech on March 23, 2017 at 11:23 am

    Pete,

    My condolences on your mother’s passing. Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord….



  9. George Flesher on March 23, 2017 at 12:09 pm

    So sorry for your loss Pete, I remember your mother fondly



  10. Anna Edwards on March 23, 2017 at 3:36 pm

    Pete, So sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. I have some fond memories of her being at school and our gatherings at your home. She lived a full and loving life! I know you will miss having her near you.



  11. Charlene Yarnevich on March 23, 2017 at 5:44 pm

    So sorry blessings to all the family



  12. Tony Leo on March 23, 2017 at 5:59 pm

    Pete,
    I’m sorry to hear about your mom. Condolences to the rest of your family.



  13. Larry Deveney on March 23, 2017 at 7:07 pm

    Pete. So sorry for the loss of your mother. She had a wonderful and full life. Be thankful for the time you had with her. Prayers for her and your family.



  14. Nancy Roselli Ponder on March 23, 2017 at 8:30 pm

    Pete so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing! Thoughts and prayers for you and your family!



  15. Connie Surprise Kramer on March 24, 2017 at 6:02 am

    Pete, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!!



  16. Pat Ismert on March 24, 2017 at 4:35 pm

    Pete, so very sorry for you and your families loss. She was a wonderful lady. I remember her fondly especially from high school and when we went on our first trip in your Mom and Dad’s car. Praying for you.



  17. Dorothy Starnes on March 25, 2017 at 6:24 am

    Pete –

    I’m so sorry about your Mom’s passing. Keeping all of you in my prayers.

    Dorothy Starnes



  18. Kelly "Barnes" Hayden on March 25, 2017 at 9:23 am

    I am sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. I have fond memories or your mom and dad and the whole family. Keeping you in my prayers.



  19. Rita Ogden on March 27, 2017 at 6:59 pm

    Pete, I am so sorry for your loss. Maybe she will become friends with my family and become one with our Lord. God bless you and prayers.



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