1926 – 2016

LEWISTON — Cynthia C. Williams, 89, passed away peacefully Friday, May 6, with her family at her side in Lewiston.

She was born July 30, 1926, in Lewiston, to Jane Glenola “Glen” (Wright) and William H. Cummings. She was the oldest of their four children, which included William H. Cummings Jr., John S. Cummings and Norman L. Cummings.

She grew up in Auburn and graduated from Edward Little High School in Auburn, Oak Grove-Coburn School and Stephens College. On Aug. 30, 1947, she married the love of her life, Roger L. (Bud) Williams Jr. They enjoyed many happy years until his passing in 2000.

Together, they raised their four children, Scott, John, Mark and Jane, and for many years lived in West Auburn, where they established many lifelong friendships, their home being the focal point of many family, social and holiday gatherings.

Later in her life, she and her family lived on a farm overlooking the White Mountains in East Oxford, where her passion for “all creatures great and small” was manifested by the presence of many horses, dogs, rabbits, countless cats and a wide diversity of wildlife she sought to support and protect.

In 1994, she and her husband moved to Corvallis, Ore., to be nearer to their daughter, Jane, and her family. After many happy years together in Corvallis, Cynthia lost her beloved husband, Bud. She and her feline companion recently “came home” to the Auburn area, a move that brought much joy to her Maine family and friends.

Cynthia’s primary focus in life was always the well-being of her family, including a large cadre of extended family members, in which she was widely regarded as the benevolent matriarch. Summers were spent at the family cottage at Thompson Lake, swimming, fishing, loon-watching (and listening), and enjoying the interactions of husband, children, grandparents, brothers, nieces and nephews, and friends.

She loved Alpine and Nordic skiing, and spent many winters on the snow with family and friends.

Although modest about her abilities, she played the piano beautifully and had a lovely singing voice. She was a skilled and passionate gardener, as was always evident from the beautiful floral landscaping around her homes, and the abundance of fresh produce at mealtimes. Her inherent sense of curiosity piqued her interest in the natural world. She loved to walk in the woods and through the fields, identifying both flora and fauna along the way. She radiated a quiet sense of dignity, grace and charm, endearing her to all of those who were fortunate to know and love her.

She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Scott L. Williams and Roberta Hill of Buckfield, John W. Williams and Wendy of Norway, and Mark A. Williams and Betty of Cornelius, N.C.; her daughter and son-in- law, Jane S. and Fred Menino of Corvallis, Ore.;  10 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; two brothers; several cousins; and countless nieces and nephews.

Cynthia enriched the lives of those who knew her during her nearly 90 years. Her gracious smile and steadfast love and support of family and friends will be dearly missed.