ADAMS, NY – Agnes Alice Catherine Ann Turcott Williams, 98, embarked upon her journey to the World of Light on Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021, at the Hospice House in Watertown, NY. She had suffered a stroke on December 12, 2020, (her 98th birthday), and entered the Hospice House on Jan. 5.
Born Dec. 12, 1922, in Watertown, NY, Agnes was the last of eight children born to George Warren and Mary Catherine Martin Turcott. She attended Holy Family School and Immaculate Heart Academy, and studied piano at the Watertown Conservatory of Music. She earned a GED in 1974. Her parents and all of her siblings – George, Margaret L’Huillier, Warren, James, Rita, Mary Labiendo and Paul – predeceased her.
Agnes married Robert A. Williams (Major, USAF) of Adams on May 15th, 1941. Robert was a pilot in the Army Air Corps/Air Force during World War II, so she and Robert had many different duty stations until his retirement in 1963. At that time, they returned north and lived in Adams the rest of their lives. They were married for 57 years and had three daughters together. Robert died in 1998.
Agnes’ gifts and talents were many, and she gave freely of them. She was an artist, writer, accomplished seamstress, musician, and avid reader; her interests were wide. She had a lifelong interest in health, nutrition and exercise. She wrote numerous poems and short stories; two of her stories about the Black River are in the Clarke Historical Museum at Central Michigan University.
Agnes had both an artistic and theoretical scientific mind. She loved science fiction and had many predictions about what would happen in the future, many of which have already come to pass. She marveled at the world around her, both of Nature and human nature, keenly observing and always striving to increase her knowledge. She especially loved observing the sunset, and sitting outside in the evenings, watching the heavens. She was a lifelong learner, and she impressed this quality upon her daughters.
Known for her sweet and loving nature, (and her extreme fondness for dark chocolate!) Agnes Alice blessed her family, friends, and the world around her with her kindness and her loving ways. She valued each moment and found joy in the simple things, and in the absolute wonder of life itself. Her patience was infinite, her sense of humor refreshing, her personality a brightness that enriched any space wherein she was. She was both wise and giving, and her legacy will remain forever in the hearts of all who love her.
The family wishes to thank the Hospice House of Jefferson County for their wonderful care of Agnes in her last days. The family also wishes to express their deepest, heart-felt gratitude to Susan Crumb, who lovingly took care of Agnes for the last 5 ½ years. If not for her “Julie”, Mom would not have had the quality of life she had these last years, and would never have been able to stay in her home as long as she did. Thank you, Julie, for your wonderful gift!
Agnes is survived by her 3 daughters: Joanne Carol Williams (Shepherd, MI), Janetta Leigh Isberner (Adams), and Catherine Ann (Peter) Mowers (Adams); 10 grandchildren: Kathyrn Balteff, John Henderson, Christopher Henderson, Janetta Lynne Whiting, Don Isberner, Janiffer Lee, Joanne Isberner, Meghan Stevenson, Laura Lovato, and Paul Tyo; 30 great grandchildren and 26 great-great grandchildren, along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Reed & Benoit is entrusted with arrangements. Because of COVID restrictions, a graveside service and burial will be held in the spring at Union Cemetery, Adams Center, NY. Online condolences may be made at reedbenoit.com.
Donations in Agnes’ memory may be made to South Jefferson Rescue Squad, 38 Main St, PO Box 126, Adams, NY 13605, or to Wildlife Recovery Association, ATTN: Joe Rogers, 531 S. Coleman Rd, Shepherd, MI 48883.
Online condolences may be made at www.carpenterstoodley.com