In Memoriam

Sharing news about the passing of Williams faculty, staff, students and retirees.

The Passing of William Grant

To the Williams community, I write today with sad news of a retired faculty member who has passed away. William “Bill” Chase Grant Jr., professor of biology, who taught at the college for 35 years, died on November 28. He was 95. Born in Baltimore, Md., Bill served three years… Continue reading »

The Passing of Marsha Altschuler

To the Williams community, With the passing of Marsha Altschuler, Professor of Biology, Emerita, and former chair of the biology department, on Thursday, September 12, I want to take this opportunity to recognize her many contributions to the Williams community and share a few remembrances from friends and colleagues who knew… Continue reading »

The Passing of Grace Eleanor Bump

Williams staff and faculty, We just learned the sad news that retired assistant supervisor in Facilities Grace Bump passed away on Tuesday, July 16, at Williamstown Commons. She was 97. A North Adams native, she attended local schools and worked at the former Cornish Wire factory (now Cable Mills) in… Continue reading »

The Passing of Elizabeth Louise Milanesi

Williams staff and faculty, I write to share the sad news of the passing of Elizabeth Louise “Betty” Milanesi, former assistant to the College Librarian. Betty passed away at her home in North Adams on Wednesday, at the age of 81. Betty was born in 1937, the daughter of Howard… Continue reading »

The Passing of Alfred Cross

To the Williams community, It is my sad duty to inform you of the passing of retired custodian Alfred “Al” Cross, who passed away on Sunday, July 7, in Pittsfield. He was 91. Al was born in Adams and attended local schools. He joined the Williams staff in 1969 and… Continue reading »

The Passing of Bertrand Lavoie

To the Williams community, I write to share the sad news that retired groundskeeper Bertrand “Frenchie” Lavoie, who worked in Buildings and Grounds (Facilities) for nearly 30 years, passed away on Saturday, June 22. He was 93. A native of Quebec, Canada—the third of 16 children in his family—Bertrand was… Continue reading »

The Passing of Elinore Herne

To the Williams community, I write to share the sad news that retired secretary Elinore Herne, who worked in the admissions office for nearly two decades, passed away on Tuesday, May 21. She was 92. In the 17 admissions cycles during her tenure, Elinore was highly regarded for her attention… Continue reading »

The Passing of Glyn Norton   

To the Williams community, It is with great sadness that I share news of the passing of retired faculty member Glyn P. Norton, Willcox B. and Harriet M. Adsit Professor of International Studies, Emeritus. Glyn, who taught at Williams for 24 years, passed away on March 6 at Providence St. Continue reading »

The Passing of William T. Fox

To the Williams community, I write today with sad news of a retired faculty member who has passed away. William “Bill” T. Fox, Edward Brust Professor of Geology and Minerology, emeritus, who taught at the college for 35 years, died on February 12 in Williamstown. He was 86. A lifelong… Continue reading »

The Passing of Diane Miller

To the Williams community, I write to share the sad news that Diane (Wiles) Miller, a dispatcher with Campus Safety and Security (CSS) since 2013, passed away on Sunday, February 3. Diane came to Williams 30 years ago and worked in several areas of the college, including Dining Services. She… Continue reading »