Carmel Ann Williams

It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the passing of our Mom, Nana, friend and wife, Carmel Ann Williams, after a lengthy and amazingly courageous battle with cancer on Wednesday, April 23, 2014.

Born on July 7th, 1947, she was the daughter of the late Daniel and Mary (Coleman) Ferguson.

Left on earth to mourn her loss, and proudly remember her life and spirit, is her husband of 44 years, Joseph Michael Williams, her children Michelle (Tony) LeBlanc of Hammonds Plains, Ron (Laura) of Sydney, and Gerald (Shauna) of Porters Lake. She also leaves behind a brother, Blair (Joan) Ferguson of Lower Sackville, a sister-in-law, Bev (Dee) Moats of Las Vegas, Nevada, a brother-in-law, Ron (Jeanette) Williams of Sydney and a sister-in-law, Mora Leighton of Dartmouth. She will always be remembered as Nana by her 7 grandchildren, Nicholas, Brandon, Samantha, Cole, Rory, Lena and Elijah.

Besides her parents, her brother Ron will be waiting to take her by the hand at the gates of heaven.

Mom was passionate about her family, and faith, being a devout Catholic at Sacred Heart Parish where she grew up and then later at St. Alphonsus and finally at Holy Redeemer Parish.

Her other passion was for her 33 year career as a teacher. The mark that she left on the hundreds of children taught will be felt forever. Starting at the former Sacred Heart Boys School, she went on to the former Villanova, Eastmount and Jamieson Schools, before ending her career at Harbourside Elementary. Mrs. Williams, as she was known by almost every child in the Whitney Pier area, was fondly remembered as “the one teacher that I will never forget” or, “the teacher that taught me to colour”, as well as the teacher that would meet a student after 20 years, they would remember her and she would remember them. She touched the lives of everyone that she met as a person and as an educator. She reveled in the fact that she was helping kids, troubled or not, learn and gain self-esteem, and that all kids were special, important, and mattered.

On top of the pride that she took in teaching, she was also very proud of her tireless work with the NSTU. She was Vice President of Communications in the Cape Breton Local as well as the editor of the NSTU publication “Square One” where she received an exemplary service award. She was also one of the provincial chairpersons for the 100 year commemorative celebration of the NSTU

Even after retirement, she was the Secretary of the Retired Teachers Organization up until her illness prevented her from this.

Visitation for the late Carmel Williams will take place on Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel. Funeral mass will be celebrated on Monday at 2:30 pm at Sacred Heart Church with Rev. Bill Burke officiating. Interment to follow at a later date at St. Alphonsus Cemetery, Low Point.

Donations may be made to the CB Palliative An Cala Unit and Run for the Cure.

On-line condolences may be sent by visiting www.twcurry.com.