Pauline Emily Williams

Pauline Williams, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on her own terms on the afternoon of August 31st at Washington Hospital Center. She was surrounded by her loving children-Elizabeth Williams, Christine Williams, Susan Knott, and Michael Williams-as well as her daughter-in-law Amy Williams and son-in-law Shawn Knott.

Born in Chingford, England, where she was raised with her surviving brother David, Pauline came to America in 1962 after marrying Charlie Williams of Boston, Massachusetts. Together, they built a life filled with love and laughter, raising their family in Hyattsville and later Adelphi, Maryland. Charlie preceded her in death in 2007, but their bond remained, and he was always in her thoughts.

Pauline was an extraordinary woman who wore many hats throughout her life. Her most cherished roles were as a devoted wife and mother. She ran a household with grace and determination, kept her family financially secure, and instilled in her children the values of honesty, hard work, and the importance of travel and meaningful experiences.

She was a proud grandmother to her greatest treasures: Devin Williams, Eliza Williams, Ella Williams, Bridget Knott, and Daniel Knott. Pauline was also a loyal friend, admired for her sharp wit, practical wisdom, and unwavering strength. Her life was filled with countless other responsibilities in addition to family and friends-secretary, data entry person, Girl Scout leader, room mother, and later, a beloved volunteer at Sunderland Elementary School in Calvert County, Maryland.

Pauline had a zest for life and a love for driving-so much so that even the police officers who occasionally pulled her over for speeding could not help but respect her.

She lived a remarkable life, and she would be the first to tell you so. Growing up outside London during WWII, Pauline spent nights in backyard bomb shelters and stood in ration lines. These early experiences shaped her resilience and gratitude. She never complained, never compared herself to others, and always recognized the blessings in her life: the honor of being a loving daughter, wife, mother, and grandmother.

Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the family she nurtured. Pauline Williams will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites those wishing to honor Pauline's memory to consider a donation to one of her favorite charities:

• Calvert Animal Welfare League - www.cawlrescue.org

• LovePaws Rescue - www.lovepawspg.org