Linda Rankin Williams

Linda Rankin Williams, born in Honolulu, HI, on September 25, 1946 to Bruce and Jean Rankin, died on November 28, 2023 from a heart attack. She spent her first 35 years moving frequently, as a Navy kid and then wife. She lived in Reston, Virginia for 22 years, and spent her last 20 years in Annapolis, Maryland, living in the house her father built himself in the 1950s. Her family includes her sister Ginger Rankin; children Holly (Rodney) Sichel, Tim (Andréa) Williams, Andy (Bronwen) Rankin, Brian (Adena) Williams, and Emily (Jon) Bloom; grandchildren Mackenzie, Darcy, David, Coral, Pearl, Fisher, Eva, Carter, Colin, Bennett, Bruce, Ethan, Eddie, and Blake; great-grandchildren Callie, Quinn, Sutton, and Piper; and dear friend, Wendi Wobbe. Her husband, Wynne Williams, died in 2003.

Known as "Mimi" to more than just her family, she lived her life with strong convictions and a unique ethos which will stay with us for generations to come. Anyone who has received a Mimi-knit hat or sweater, admired her frog pond, or tasted her ice cream knows that she was remarkably talented and industrious. Mimi wore her long hair in a distinctive bun and always had a thermos of coffee within reach. She delighted in the feel of nice yarn. Her friendships with dogs ran deep. She wove nature into her life with open windows, bird feeders, gardening, and a knack for pets and critters. We’ll miss her ingenuity, generosity, humor, and candor, and we’ll remember her belief that children are far more capable and resilient than the world gives them credit for.

Most of all, Mimi loved her kids, their kids, and their kids’ kids, and she never tired of talking about how wonderful and clever they are. Raising a family brought her immense joy, pride, and satisfaction. She reminded us as recently as Thanksgiving that she feels at peace and truly happy because of her family. We will cherish our memories of her and try to make her proud.

We will hold a Celebration of Life service at the Severna Park Community Center’s Boone Station Hall on Tuesday, December 19th at 2:30PM. The address is 623 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd Severna Park, MD 21146. In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting the SPCA of Anne Arundel County.