Hancock – Elsie A. Christiansen Williams of Hancock Road, Hancock, MA, died on Tuesday morning, August 10, 2010, surrounded by her loving family at the Kindred Hospital-Park View in Springfield, MA, after an extended illness.
Born in Wallkill, NY, on April 27, 1936, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Mabel Scace Christiansen. She was the loving wife of the late Arthur F. “Sonny” Williams, Sr., who died on October 28, 2007. They were married on Elsie’s 21st birthday in the Second Congregational Church in Williamstown, MA.
A graduate of New Lebanon High School, Elsie worked for Taconic Telephone as a switchboard operator at the former Berkshire Downs. She helped her husband on the family farm while raising their family. Elsie also was the head housekeeper at Jiminy Peak in Hancock for many years until 1985 when she became a full time homemaker. She enjoyed collecting knick-knack shoes of all materials and was an avid bowler. Elsie loved dark chocolate, computer games, knitting and crocheting. She was a member of the Second Congregational Church for almost 55 years belonging to the DORCAS. She was a former Sunday school superintendent there.
Survivors include her children, Roger F. and wife Barbara Williams of Hancock, Stacey L. and husband Daniel Breads of New Lebanon, NY, Melanie J. and husband Randal Jackson and Arthur F. Williams, Jr. and wife Julie, all of Hancock, sisters, Evelyn Harrington of Lanesborough, MA, and Dorothy Hogue of Hancock, eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She is pre-deceased by a brother, Charles “Luke” Christiansen.
Funeral services are on Friday evening, August 13, at 7 pm in the Second Congregational Church, 81 Hancock Road, Williamstown, with Rev. Richard Spaulding officiating. After cremation, inurnment will be held in Southlawn Cemetery in Williamstown.
Relatives and friends are invited for visitation at the Church on Friday from 3 until 6:45 pm when the family will be present.
Memorial contributions in Elsie’s memory may be made to the Hancock Volunteer Fire Department in care of Hall & Higgins Funeral Home, P.O. Box 9, Stephentown, NY, 12168.
