Marianne C. Williams

February 17, 1940 - November 3, 2020

At Christmas time, Marianne’s house was taken over by angels - on the tree, on tables, goblets, and towels, and really any available surface. Full of kindness and empathy, Marianne always loved angels. Everyone who knew her, no matter their faith, could easily be convinced that angels exist here on earth. If anyone exemplified an angel, it was Marianne. Marianne Cecelia (Limons) Williams, 80, of Bethlehem died peacefully November 3, 2020 in the presence of her loving family. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Donald Lee Williams. Born February 17, 1940 in Bethlehem, she was the daughter of the late Harry J. and Margaret Limons. The 1958 Liberty High School graduate completed her Registered Nursing training in 1961 at St. Luke’s School of Nursing. After a successful nursing career in hospitals and physician offices, in 1986 she became one of two founding hospice nurses at the Visiting Nurse Association of Bethlehem, which became VNA of St. Luke’s in 2002. Hospice was her calling, as evidenced by the kind expressions of gratitude from many families she helped to get through their most difficult times. She retired from Hospice in 2006. The highlight of her hospice career was her involvement in developing what became at the time only the third free-standing hospice home in Pennsylvania in 2000. Following her retirement, Marianne continued to volunteer her time at hospice and was formally recognized by the organization’s CEO for her lengthy service and devotion to hospice. Marianne was a faithful member of Sacred Heart Parish in Miller Heights and actively participated in the Catholic Daughters of the Americas. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her three sons: Timothy (Lancaster, PA), Eric (Salem, OR), and Matthew (Denver, PA), her brother Harry Limons (Ocean City, NJ), her sister Elissa Limons Gensiak (Allentown), ten grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. Her family was her true passion. Recalling events of 50 years ago as if they were yesterday, she loved to talk about camping, cub scouts, youth soccer, high school tournaments, family reunions, and the happy moments that make a lifetime. We know the angels are pleased to welcome their newest member. A viewing will be held from 6-8pm on Sunday November 8, 2020 at the Connell Funeral Home 245 E. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA and 10-11am on Monday November 9, 2020 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church First St. Bethlehem, PA followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11am. Graveside services will be held 11am Tuesday at Holy Saviour Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Luke’s Hospice, slhn.org/vna/hospice, 484-526-1100. Due to the pandemic we ask that you wear masks and practice social distancing.