Passed away peacefully in Ottawa, in her hundredth year.
Predeceased by her husband Norman Lucas (Luke) Williamson, parents Lorne Kerr and Elizabeth (Lizzie) Cram, brothers Ewen Mansel, John Lorne (Jack), Harold Arthur (Pat), and sister Elinor Dorothea Kerr.
Survived by her sons Brian Lucas and Peter Stuart Williamson (Tanya Chayadetbumrung), and grandchildren Norman Lee Terepong and Carol Elinor Sirikanya Williamson.
Remembered as Aunt Marge by dozens of nieces and nephews in both the Williamson and Kerr families.
Born in Arnprior, she grew up in Smiths Falls. She moved to Ottawa in 1941, at the age of 17, to take a stenographer-typist job, working until 1953 for senior officers at Army headquarters and making many life-long girlfriends, through whom she met her husband, a military surveyor with the Royal Canadian Engineers. They married in October 1951 and had two sons to whom she dedicated her care, returning to work as they grew, taking on part-time secretarial work for Office Overload, selling drapes at Sears on Saturdays, and working as a secretary on the private staff of government cabinet minister Jean Luc Pepin.
She lived her life independently: as a young working woman in Ottawa; raising her boys while her husband's survey work took him away for many summers; and living alone for 34 years following his death until a few months before her death.
Famed for her cooking and baking, knitting and sewing, and craft project skills, she loved her home Ottawa Valley and the Gatineau Hills, where she travelled and visited regularly.
Family and friends are invited to Beechwood, Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services (280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa), for a Memorial Service on Friday, June 2, 2023, at 1:00 p.m., followed by an Interment and Reception at Beechwood Cemetery.
Digital Guestbook
Taylor Young
John-Hugh MacDonald
I was privileged to have known Mrs. Williamson, who was always a gracious and generous hostess during the many times I visited her with Brian over the course of the past 30 years. She always took a sincere interest in what I was doing and asked after my 3 children, delighting in seeing their pictures. My condolences to Brian and Peter and
all your family. JH
Laura Snippe (Passmore)
On behalf of the Passmore family, I want to extend heartfelt condolences to the family, especially Brian and Peter. Our family’s cottage at Constance Bay was just down Shady Lane from the Williamson’s. Many fond memories of playing cards, swimming and of course “Mrs. Williamson’s Cheesecake” - a recipe that I still use to this day.
Sean Burgess
My sincere condolences to Brian and his family.
Murray Bond
My sincere condolences to Brian, Peter and Family. It was always a pleasure to catch up with Mrs Willamson. It was always a pleasure to see her. She was always attentive to what I was up to and took a sincere interest in me and the goings on of my life and family.
Ross Brown
Brian, you and your extended family are in my thoughts.
Robert WIlson
Condolences to Brian and family on the loss of a remarkable woman.
Fred May
Brian: My sincere condolences on the passing of your mum. Thinking of you and your family at this time.
Mary & Dave MacDonald
Brian,
So sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. It’s always hard to lose your mom, no matter how long a wonderful life.
Sending you lots of hugs.
Mary & Dave
Andrew Kerr
I have fond memories of Aunt Marge from throughout my childhood. She was well into her 90s the last time I visited with her, but I remember her being just as warm and welcoming as always. Sincerest condolences to Brian, Peter, and all your family - from Andrew out in Victoria, BC.
My deepest condolences.