In Memoriam

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

The Passing of College Bursar Mary Kate Shea ’81

To the Williams community, It is with deep sadness that I write to inform you that Mary Kate Shea ’81, our college bursar, passed away unexpectedly overnight. Mary Kate was deeply beloved by the innumerable students and families she helped over her five years in that role. She took special… Continue reading »

The Passing of Marianne Kenney

Williams faculty and staff, I write with sad news about the passing of Marianne (Huttle) Kenney, who retired in 1989 from her position as premedical secretary in the chemistry department. Marianne died on Tuesday at the Soldier’s Home in Holyoke, Mass., at the age of 94. Born in North Adams… Continue reading »

The Passing of Professor John Sheahan

To the Williams community, It is my sad duty to inform you that John Sheahan, the William Brough Professor of Economics, Emeritus, passed away on Aug. 19, at the age of 93. John was born in Toledo, Ohio. The family moved several times and ultimately relocated to San Diego, where… Continue reading »

The Passing of William E. McCormick

I write with the sad news that William E. McCormick, who was head coach of the Williams men’s ice hockey team for 35 seasons, has passed away. He died on July 30 in Spring Hill, Fla., at the age of 88. Coach Mac, as he was called, came to Williams… Continue reading »

The Passing of Frank L. Wellcome, Jr.

To the Williams community, I write today to let you know we have recently learned that a college retiree has passed away. Frank Lindsay Wellcome, Jr., age 103, died April 20 in Topsham, Me. Frank worked in the college’s computing center, now the Office of Information Technology, from 1971 until… Continue reading »

The Passing of Professor Richard O. Rouse, Jr.

I write today with sad news of another retired faculty member who has passed away. Richard O. Rouse, Jr., the Mary A. and William Wirt Warren Professor of Psychology, emeritus, who taught at the college from 1948 until his retirement in 1983, died April 16 at the Berkshire Medical Center… Continue reading »

The Passing of Professor Raymond Chang

To the Williams community, I write today with the very sad news of the passing of Raymond Chang. Raymond, the Halford R. Clark Professor of Natural Sciences, emeritus, died last week on Bainbridge Island, Washington, at the age of 77. Raymond lived under the shadow of war most of his… Continue reading »

The Passing of M. Elaine Bentley

To the Williams community, I was saddened today to learn of the passing of a college retiree. M. Elaine Bentley, 84, of Adams, who worked for the college from 1972 until her retirement as a custodian in 2001, died on March 31 at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center in Bennington, Vt. Continue reading »

The Passing of Robert T. Nichols

To the Williams community, I am sad to report that a retiree of the college recently passed away. Robert T. Nichols, 85, of Ripley, NY, formerly of North Adams, died Friday, March 17. He was employed in the department of Building and Grounds as a car attendant from 1986 until his… Continue reading »

The Passing of Frances J. Lewis

To the Williams community, I write today with the sad news of a retiree who has passed away. Frances Joan Lewis, 78, of Williamstown, who worked for the college for 29 years, died on March 17. Fran was born in North Adams in 1938 and graduated from Drury High… Continue reading »