Vania Torres Nogueira Williamson

Vania Torres Nogueira was born Aug. 22, 1929, in Bahia, Brazil and spent her early years in the city of Salvador. At age 18, she moved to Rio de Janeiro to continue her studies. In 1956, while working at the US Embassy, she met her future husband, journalist Bill Williamson of Iowa, who had just arrived on a fellowship to do graduate research on the country's newspapers.

She said she knew she would marry him the minute she looked at him and they were married Nov. 27, 1959. They lived in Brazil until moving to Florida in 1981 with their three children.

Vania lived a full life. In Ft. Lauderdale she had a successful career as a realtor and was founder of two Brazilian artisanal confectionary shops named Vanya's Sweets. Later in life Vania became the proud author of a book of spiritual writings ''LETTERS TO THE HEART--My Chit-Chat with God" in which her words of encouragement, faith, and love will live on forever.

However, the role Vania most cherished in life was being a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.

In lieu of flowers her family suggests donations of her book be made to local churches, schools, libraries, yourself, a special someone, or to the Center for Spiritual Living Ft. Lauderdale where “A Celebration of Life” will be held on March 14, Saturday, at 1pm (4849 N. Dixie Hwy, Oakland Park 33334)

Per Vania’s wishes, please wear something cheerful and colorful.

In addition to her husband and “forever Love”, Vania is survived by children MaryLiz, Margaret Ann, and granddaughter Gabriella Anna, of Fort Lauderdale, and son Jon Tadeu, daughter-in-law Rosi, and granddaughters Ayla and Alyssa in Tampa. Vania will be dearly missed by all who knew her and whose lives she touched.