Williams, Catherine, ‘Rena’, (McConnell), 90, of Riverside, passed away on May 5, 2014 at the Philip Hulitar Home & Hospice Center, surrounded by her loving family. She was the wife of the late Joseph F. Williams and mother of eight children- daughters Catherine Sandberg (Donald), Ellen Ann Williams (deceased), Mary Lu Fallon (Robert), Marion Lehmann (Reeves), Linda Keating (Ted), Carol Murphy (Morgan), Erin Murphy (Tim) and her son, Joseph F. Williams Jr. She was blessed with seventeen grandchildren- Karen, Shawn, Dustin and David Sandberg, Matthew, Christopher and Caitlin Fallon, Zachary and Meaghan Lehmann, Connor Maroney, Bryana Murphy, Ryan, Selena and Sophia Murphy and Erica, Joe and Beth Williams. Rena also leaves nine great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Born in Providence, the daughter of the late John A. and Ellen McConnell, Rena was one of eight children. She was pre-deceased by her brothers John, Francis, Raymond and Msgr. Charles McConnell and sisters Helen Kilcline, Marion Hawkins and Claire McConnell.

A graduate of Hope High School (1941), Rena completed comptometer school, working in the accounting field until her marriage in 1946. A devoted mother, Rena and Joe moved to Riverside in 1953. A naturally gifted athlete, Rena loved and enjoyed her many outings and adventures with her children and grandchildren. A communicant of St. Brendan Church, she was active in both the St. Brendan’s and St. Luke’s Golf Leagues and enjoyed her bowling league, the Forever Young Club and The Ladies Auxiliary of The Knights of Columbus. Her love of travel took her to many places, but most of all she loved her time spent on Block Island.

Her resilience, sense of humor, kindness to others and her great and generous heart will be remembered by all who knew her.

Her funeral will be held on Tuesday May 13, 2014 from the W. RAYMOND WATSON FUNERAL HOME, 350 Willett Avenue, Riverside at 9:45 am with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated by her nephew and godson, Rev. Robert Hawkins in St. Luke Church, Washington Road, Barrington at 11 am. Graveside burial will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

Calling hours are Monday May 12, 2014 from 4-8 p.m. Flowers are respectfully omitted. Contributions in Rena’s memory to The Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, 3152 Little Road, Suite 146, Trinity, FL, 34655 would be deeply appreciated.