Clair, the oldest of the five Gardiner children, was raised in Chevy Chase, MD and was graduated from Immaculata Preparatory School for Girls in Washington DC in 1944. A part time model and bank teller, Clair married James M. Williams on April 23, 1955. After a honeymoon at the Cloisters in Sea Island, GA the couple took up residence in Washington DC. Before moving to Boca Raton, FL in 1980, she and Jim raised the children in the northern Virginia suburbs.
Clair enjoyed spending time with the family at her summer place in Ocean City, MD. Golf was a favorite pastime once the children were grown. As the family Matriarch, her greatest love was her husband, siblings, children and grand and great grandchildren. Always dear to her heart were the family dogs George, Baron, Morgan and Samantha.
Clair was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years James M. Williams in 2016 and daughter-in-law Mary Ann Williams in 2020. Surviving Clair are her children J. Michael Williams (wife Mary Ellen) of Palm Harbor, FL, David M. Williams (wife Mary Ann) of Woodbridge, VA, Thomas S. Williams (wife Grace) of Boca Raton, FL and Brigid Hugh (husband Phil) of Palm Harbor, FL.
Clair was blessed with nine grandchildren …Meghan Blauch (Justin), Courtney L. Williams, Nicole Rhea (Jim), Tom Williams, Charlotte Schwappach (Joe), Kelly Williams, Jessica Kirchoff (Harry), Colleen Williams and Casey Williams. Four great grandchildren followed. Michael Blauch, David Rhea, Lily Rhea and Jack Rhea.
Final arrangements are being coordinated through:
Babione-Kraeer Funeral Home
1100 N. Federal Highway
Boca Raton, Florida 33432
561.395.8787
Funeral Mass, 9/29/2021 11:30 AM Emanuel Catholic Church, Delray Beach, FL
Committal 9/29/21 1:30 PM South Florida National Cemetery
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