Jean Ann Williams

With heavy hearts the family announces the passing of Jean Ann Williams on February 7, 2025, at the age of 86 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Jean was born on January 30, 1939, in Stafford, England, the eighth child having six sisters and two brothers to Ralph and Lilly Ryell. She was born at the end of WWII and remembered having to rely on the use of ration books for groceries and soldiers handing out sticks of gum to the town kids. Jean often had a great story to tell, especially about her childhood life in Stafford. After high school, Jean worked at a pharmacy, and then at the English Electric Factory in Stafford. It was there that she met a Welsh welder named Dick Williams, and their love story began. Jean and Dick were married in Stafford in 1962, then moved to Wales to start their married life together. A daughter, Dawn, was born in 1965, and Heather followed in 1967. By this time, they were living in a small village, Moelfre, on the Isle of Anglesey. While raising the girls, Jean also worked part-time at Llanachgo School as a lunch assistant, where the girls attended.

In 1976, the decision was made to move the family to Canada. In April of 1977, they relocated to Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan. Jean quickly found new friends and worked as an aid at a care home. In 1982, Dick tragically passed away in a work-related accident. Jean at this time was working at the local hospital. She took great pride in her work and made some life-long friends along the way.

Jean kept herself very busy and involved. In 1985, she moved to Saskatoon and worked at the University Hospital up until her retirement. She was an avid gardener and took pride in her beautiful yard filled with flower beds. She was a talented painter and her family and friends were often gifted with her art pieces. Jean also loved to dance and became involved in a local dance group where she made many friends. She later enjoyed her involvement in a line dancing group as well as a Red Hatters Society group.

Jean was well travelled, taking many trips around the globe. Some of her favorites included Hawaii, Australia, Mexico, France, Portugal, Denmark, some amazing cruises, as well as many trips home.

Jean lived her life with grace and resilience, taking pride in everything she did. There were times of loneliness, but she filled her life with beauty and meaning. She will be missed dearly.

Jean was predeceased by her husband Richard (Dick) Evan Williams, parents Ralph and Lilly, as well as five sisters and one brother. She is survived by her two daughters, Dawn (Richard) Alger and Heather (Tim) Williams as well as six grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. Jean is also survived by her sister Shirley (Gary) Woodhouse and her brother Jim (Mel) Ryell, as well as many nieces and nephews. A private service will be held at a later date. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Circle Drive Alliance Care Home for their compassionate care shared with Jean. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Saskatchewan.