Patricia “Pat” D. Williams, 87, of Shawano, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at Meadow View Memory Care in Bonduel, where she had resided for the past two months. She
was surrounded by her loving family. Pat was born on December 10, 1938, in Appleton, the daughter of Donald and Josephine (Drexler) Ralph. She attended school in Appleton and graduated from Appleton West High School with the Class of 1957. After graduation, she began working as an operator for Bell Telephone Company and was later promoted to secretary to the division manager.
On June 18, 1960, Pat married Roger Williams at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Appleton. The couple made their home in Combined Locks until 1992, when they moved to the home they built on Legend Lake, a home thoughtfully designed by Pat herself. They remained at Legend Lake until 2006, when they relocated to Shawano. Pat was a faithful member of St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church in Cecil. Pat found her greatest joy in family. She lovingly welcomed children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, cherishing every opportunity to hold, rock, and nurture them. Her care extended beyond family to animals as well, including a rescued eaglet, an injured hummingbird, and her beloved dog, Sasha, who was her constant companion. A woman of many talents and interests, Pat centered her life around her family and home. She delighted in teaching her children and grandchildren cooking and baking, sewing crafts and costumes, and creating and playing games that kept everyone engaged and eager for more time together. At Legend Lake, she helped teach the required boater safety class for her grandchildren, blending firm expectations with fun and lasting memories. Pat’s home reflected her loving nature—always neat, welcoming, and surrounded by a beautifully maintained yard and brilliant flower gardens. She took great joy in watching the many birds that frequented her well-stocked feeders. Red was her favorite color, perfectly reflected in her red Mercedes convertible, which captured her playful and vibrant spirit.
Her gentle, soft-spoken nature and kind heart were evident in everything she did. Pat had a special way of brightening someone’s day, whether through a plate of homemade cookies, a thoughtfully prepared meal, or a handwritten note in her exquisite calligraphy. She was also an accomplished accordion teacher who encouraged young musicians with patience and warmth. Music often inspired her to create an impromptu dance floor anywhere she was—even the day before her passing, a moment thankfully captured on video to bring smiles for years to come. Family and friends treasured Pat’s quiet compassion. She was a devoted listener who offered love, understanding, and just the right touch of humor. When the moment called for it, especially during long boat rides on the lake, she could talk endlessly, sharing thoughts that ranged from heartfelt to joyfully humorous. In later years, when words became more difficult, her expressions—a smile, a nod, a gentle tilt of her head, or an extended hand—spoke volumes. Pat often expressed herself through writing. In one early morning reflection composed while gazing over Legend Lake, she wrote, “My Dad taught me to appreciate the beauty in nature. I hope I have instilled this in my children, and that they will have the chance to enjoy the peace and quiet tranquility of nature someday as I am now.” Her family affirms that her wish was fulfilled, and her wisdom will continue to guide future generations. One of Pat’s most cherished legacies was her gift of hugs. Freely given to family, friends, and even acquaintances, her hugs were her signature expression of love—offered in greeting, farewell, comfort, or simply because they were needed. They brought joy, warmth, and reassurance to all who received them.
Pat is survived by her husband of 65 years, Roger, of Shawano; her children, Robert (Terrie) Williams of Omro, Scott (Amy) Williams of the Town of Omro, Wendi (Brian) Hintz of Oshkosh, and Jennifer (Todd) Van Gompel of Vandenbroek; her grandchildren, Jessica Williams, Daniel (Barbie) Williams, Kristin (Tyler) Bushmaker, Mikayla (Tyler) Nolan, Brandon (Karly) Williams, Ryan (Christina) Williams, Emma Hintz, Mitchell Van Gompel, and Kaitlynn Van Gompel; her great-grandchildren, Lexie Williams, Kaylie Williams, Bennett Bushmaker, Lyla Bushmaker, Carrera Nolan, Ava Williams, Lucas Williams, Wesley Williams, and Chloe Williams; her sister, Jo Hillman; brothers-in-law James Williams, Charles (Maxine) Williams, and Jack (Rhea Burke) Williams; her niece and nephew, Kelly (Trevor) DeLong and Brian (Holly) Hillman; as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Danny Ralph; her great-grandchildren, Oliver, and James Williams; her brother-in-law, Richard Williams; and her sisters-in-law, Joan
Williams and Joyce Williams.
A memorial service for Pat will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 12:00 pm at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church in Cecil. Deacon Todd Raether will officiate. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am and continue until the time of service. Private family interment will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery in Shawano.
In lieu of flowers and plants, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation or the Lupus Foundation of America (LFA), WI Chapter in memory of Pat.
Mickelson Funeral & Cremation Service of Shawano is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.mickelsonfs.com.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the dedicated staff at Meadow View Assisted Living in Bonduel and Moments Hospice for the exceptional and compassionate care provided to Pat.
Mom, you will be missed beyond measure and will always be our sunshine. We love you always!
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