Joan Ann Williams

Joan Ann Williams, age 91, lovingly known to her family as Mommy, RI Grandma, Bema, Gammer and Gamoo, passed away peacefully at Yale New Haven Health Westerly Hospital in Westerly, Rhode Island after a brief illness.

Born on June 5, 1933 in Brooklyn, NY, and raised in White Plains, NY where she was a beloved figure in her community and attended St. John’s Catholic school in White Plains, where she completed high school.

Joan is predeceased by her husband Robert G. Williams, her father Arthur O’Donnell, mother Ann O’Donnell, and her youngest brother, Brian O’ Donnell.

Joan was known for her caring nature and boundless generosity. She worked in various capacities, including Century 21 Wolf & Son Realty in White Plains, where she quickly became a top seller in real estate and manager of the White Plains office, but Joan wanted to help others as she was an active member in AA (Friend of Bill W) for over 49 years.

Joan held numerous certificates in the states of NY and RI which she acquired to become an alcohol and drug counselor that gave her many opportunities to help people regain control of their lives. Helping start programs such as Generations a center of care for women and children in White Plains. Along with her husband Bob, helping to start one of the first homeless shelters in White Plains at Grace Church.

She was a pioneer in helping AIDS patients which began in the height of the epidemic when someone asked for a volunteer to read the Bible to a woman stricken with AIDS in the hospital that no one would visit. Even going against doctor’s recommendations to “suit up” before entering the patient’s room, Joan stood her ground and said, “no.” After that visit, Joan’s dedication continued, starting two respite programs one in NY and one in RI helping those with AIDS and their loved ones.

When Joan and Bob made the move to Rhode Island they became members of St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Charlestown. Joan’s faith was a cornerstone of her existence. Her hobbies included quilting, swimming, walking, and sitting in the sun, embracing the beauty of Gods world. Joan also had a love for coffee, iced or hot and always had ice cream in the freezer, usually coffee or heath bar crunch.

Joan is survived by her seven children who will greatly miss her smile and laughter, Dawn Irving (Paul D’Alessio) Diane Rugato (Mike Rugato) Dana Wright (Richard Wright) Tommy Spiconardi (Patty Mead) Christopher Spiconardi (Tricia Spiconardi) Nicholas Spiconardi and Mary Elizabeth Patterson (Robert Patterson), eighteen grandchildren, Michael, Steven, Paul, and Jonathan Rugato, Tim Irving, Jenna Sanker, and Tyler Irving. Tommy, and Brian Spiconardi, Taryn, and David Spiconardi. Eli, and Isaac Patterson, Annabella, Rosalie, Christopher, Martin, and Nicholas Spiconardi. fourteen great grandchildren, a brother, Arthur O ‘Donnell, many nieces and nephews, all who will never forget her love, hugs and kindness.

Besides her family, Joan will be missed by her faithful Shih Tzu companion Zinni.

We would also like to thank the staff of Yale New Haven Health Westerly Hospital for their caring and professionalism.

Visitation for Joan will be held on Friday, September 6 from 4 PM to 7 PM in the Avery Storti, 88 Columbia Street, Wakefield, RI. You may live stream her wake at https://www.youtube.com/@avery-stortifuneralhome4853

Burial and services will be private

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Joan’s memory can be made to St. Jude, honoring her lifelong commitment to helping others, or any animal rescue/shelter of your choice.

Our mom’s life was a testament to her spirit of giving and community, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Please honor Joan by sharing Gods word and doing something kind for someone today and every day.