Obituaries

Frances D. Williams, age 64, a lifelong resident of Old Forge, died unexpectedly Saturday morning. She is survived by her beloved husband, John (Jack) Williams. Wed on September 16, 1967, the couple were married for 47 years.
Born on November 8, 1950, daughter of Dorothy Mozeleski Smicherko of Old Forge and the late Frank Smicherko, Frances was educated at Old Forge High School. After waitressing for years at both the former Family Affair of Taylor and Terry’s Diner of Moosic, she dedicated her life to raising her family while serving as a caregiver to those she loved. Of Roman Catholic faith, she was a member of Prince of Peace Parish in Old Forge.
She enjoyed baking and caring for her garden, however her greatest joy came while spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She was a selfless woman whose priority was always doing for others. Her legacy of giving will live on forever as she she was an organ donor upon her passing. A loving wife, mother, grandmother and sister, she will be forever missed by all of those who loved her.
She is survived by her children, her daughters, Linda Bradigan and husband Mark of Inkerman, Cathie Rich and husband Mike of Laflin, Margie Budzak of Old Forge, Jeannie Kuckla and husband Matt of Old Forge, and her sons, Jack Williams, Jr., and wife Michelle of Moscow, and Bobby and Ricky Williams, both of Old Forge; her sisters, Tina Przywara and husband Joe of Old Forge, Margie Gilroy and husband Joe of Factoryville and Rose Marie Cognetti and husband Russ of Old Forge; her brothers, Frank Smicherko and wife Diane of Taylor, Jerry Smicherko and wife Theresa of Avoca, Jim Smicherko and wife Tammy of Factoryville and Dave Smicherko and wife Jill of Orlando, Florida; twelve grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her father, an infant son, Paul Williams; and a son-in-law, Brian Budzak, also preceded her in death.
A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Thursday at 10:00AM at St. Mary of the Assumption Church at Prince of Peace Parish, 123 West Grace Street in Old Forge, to be celebrated by Rev. August A. Ricciardi, Pastor. Those wishing to attend the funeral are asked to go directly to the church. Relatives and friends may pay their respects on Wednesday between 4-7:00PM at the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 517 North Main Street in Old Forge.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Frances’ name to either the American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, Texas, 75231, or to St. Jude Children Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee, 38105.