Mary Delaine Williamson

Mary, or Delaine as she was known by most, was born to parents Robert Clarence and Loudia Mary Mason Hays on October 26, 1935 in Dangerfield, TX and died on October 11, 2019 in Plano, TX at the age of 83.

Delaine’s childhood was spent in Carrollton, TX. Her family later relocated to Austin, TX. Delaine attended the University of Texas and was graduated in 1958 with a Bachelors of Science in home economics. She earned her Master’s degree in public health from Harvard University in 1987.

While studying at UT Delaine volunteered with University United Methodist Church serving as a dietitian. She planned and organized meals to feed students from UT. It was there she met Claude Williamson. They began a courtship and then married in 1959. Delaine and Claude began a life filled with love and adventure. They lived in Austin, TX; Paris, France; Seattle, WA; Washington, DC; Bedford, MA; Carlisle, MA; and Plano, TX. They enjoyed travelling and exploring together which led them to visit every continent except Antarctica.

In the mid 60s while living in Seattle, WA, Delaine served as Head of Dietetics at Virginia Mason Hospital. She began employment with Northeastern University in 1968 as Associate Professor of Nursing where she remained for 34 years, retiring in 2002.

Delaine was gregarious, determined and had strong opinions, which she freely shared. She enjoyed socializing and her casual conversations with new acquaintances often evolved into lifelong friendships.

Delaine is preceded in death by her parents Robert Clarence Hays and Loudia Mary Mason Hays. Delaine is survived by her devoted and loving husband of sixty years, Claude F. Williamson of Plano, TX; brother Robert M. Hays and his wife, Marilyn, of Austin, TX; nephew Steven D. Hays and his wife, Sharon, of Plano, TX and their children Alyssa Hays Boger and her husband, Chris, (their son Hendrix) of Plano, TX, Christina Hays Joiner and her husband, Bryan, (their sons Deacon and Camden) of Plano, TX, Alexandra Hays McAulay and her husband, Duncan, of Fort Worth, TX; niece-in-law Donna Hays of Gilbert, AZ and her children Lauren Hays Jensen and her husband, Christian, (their daughters Madeleine and Stella) of Oslo, Norway, and Cameron Hays of Broomfield, CO. Delaine also leaves behind many friends whom she adored and cared for deeply.

Delaine chose to be cremated and her ashes have been interred beside her parents at Perry Cemetery, Carrollton, TX. She requested no funeral or memorial service be held but would like to be remembered as she was. We have honored her wishes.