It is with great sadness that the family of the late Annie Williams announce her passing on December 27, 2022 from the Curtis Memorial Hospital in St. Anthony at the age of 75 years.
Annie was the first-born child of Clara Gaulton (Willaims) and George Williams of Main Brook, NL, where she grew up with her two younger siblings: Brother, Roland Gordon Williams and Sister, Marion Mamie Williams (Carroll). In January of 1968, Annie gave birth to a daughter, Connie Claudelle Williams (Rowsell) followed 2 years later by a son on January 9, 1970, Roland George Williams. A few years later she, her children, and parents moved to Stephenville for a while but later returned to main Brook where she had a second son on February 16, 1978, named Ricky Cecil Williams. On April 29, 1988, Annie married Ricky’s father, Cecil Dredge where they resided in Black Duck Cove together.
Annie had worked at many different jobs and fish pants including Port Aux Choix and Tapacher, Labrador. It was there that she became sick from the chemicals used for the shrimp they were processing. She no longer worked in fish plants after that.
Annie and her mother had a love for card games, particularly 120’s and 45’s. A few times a week Cora Campbell and Augustine Dredge would come to her house and the games were on. When one of the usual friends could not make it, Connie would fill in. Connie loved the games too, lots of laughs were shared. Her son, Roland would also play from time to time.
Annie was always excited to visit her brother and sister, Roland, and Marie. It was rare to have them all together, but it was wonderful when they did as they shared stories of growing up together and much was learned about their childhood.
In 1983 Annie was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and underwent chemo and radiation treatments in St. Johns. She was sick for a long time, but she battled to get strong again, which she did.
Eventually her older two children moved to B.C. for work, and after a few years, she relocated to B.C. as well to be with her son Ricky, and husband, Cecil. Finally, she returned to Black Duck Cove and after settling there for some time, was faced with the misfortune of a house fire. Thankfully everyone was safe except for her fluffy Persian cat. She was deeply upset by this loss.
Every morning without miss, she would call her close circle of friends. Her daily routine included calling Augustine Dredge, Virginia Gibbons, and Hazareth Coles; a practice she would continue until her illness prevented her.
In April of 2011 Annie was diagnosed with bowel cancer that changed her life for the worse. She had surgery but she often had unimaginable pain that resulted in her making many trips in and out of hospital. She was always the warrior that overcame a lot more than the average person could handle. She had no problem letting people know how she felt about the things that mattered to her.
Annie’s health took a serious turn last summer and it continued to decline from there. She was in hospital for months but always had the determination to go home with Ricky. She got home a few times but her stays home kept getting shorter and sparser.
Her son, Roland, brought her home for the last time on December 23rd. Although she was quite weak she was set on spending her last Christmas with Ricky, which she did. She returned to the hospital on Christmas eve. On the 27th she passed away at 5:20 pm with her niece, Deanna Adey by her side.
Her fighting spirit and her love for her children and family will be cherished in our hearts forever.
Annie also had one very close friend (and sister-in-law), Hannah Dredge whom she loved dearly. She didn’t visit many people but when she was able she went to Hannah’s house to watch “The Young and The Restless” and “Days Of Our Lives” together every day until she was no longer able.
She leaves to mourn with fond and loving memories. her Children: Connie Rowsell (Rodney), Roland Williams (Mathilda), Ricky Williams; Grandchildren: Skyler (Jacqualyn) Rowsell, Kristy Rowsell, Kayla Williams, Roland Williams; Great-grandsons: Lowik Rowsell and Soren Rowsell; Nieces: Darlene (Bud) Carroll (Son Dustin), Rhonda (Troy) Williams (Children Caden, Caleigh, Casey), Deanna (David) Adey (Children, Jayden and Justice), Tonya (Ryan) Williams (Children Everleigh, Laython, Kerrigan); Nephew: Michael (Shelby) Williams (Children Rielly and Douglas) as well as other extended family and friends.
Annie is predeceased by her partner: Cecil Dredge; Parents: George and Clara (Gaulton) Williams; Sister: Mamie Carroll; Brother: Roland Williams; and Brother-in-law, Herbert Carroll.
A Celebration of Life service is to take place in Summer 2023.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to Kerry M. Fillatre Funeral Home, St. Anthony and Roddickton, Alicia Patey, Funeral Director.
