Jane Elizabeth Williams

Jane Elizabeth Larrabee Williams, 100, died November 18, 2017 at VNA Hospice in Vero Beach, FL.

She was born January 29, 1917 in Binghamton, NY, the daughter of H. Chester Larrabee, Jr. and Julia Gladys Redding. She attended Binghamton schools and graduated from Ridley Lowell Institute.

She served as the Executive Director of Broome County Planned Parenthood for 19 years and was presented with both the Margaret Sanger Award and Jane Clair Award for outstanding achievement.

Jane was very active in the community – serving the Broome County United Way, Roberson Museum, Treasurer and Golden Member of the Monday Afternoon club, Binhamton Garden Club, past President of Jaycees past President and Honorary Lifetime Member of the Nimmonsburg PTA, Emeritus Member of the Junior League of Binhamton where she was awarded the coveted silver Watrous Bowl for outstanding service. Jane was the first woman to be ordained a Deacon in the First Presbyterian Church in Binghamton, and was also an ordained Elder, Trustee, and past President of their Women’s Association. After retiring, she spent winters at their home in Vero Beach where she led an active social life with family and friends.

She was a voracious reader and traveled extensively all over the world. At the age of 80, Jane purchased her first computer and taught herself to handle investments and arrange travel plans online.

After relocating to Indian River Estates in Vero Beach with her husband in 2005, she became active as a volunteer with their sales staff, giving tours of the facility to prospective residents, served as Treasurer of their Chaplain’s Fund, hospitality hostess in the dining room, and was named “Athlete of the Month” for her tenacity and endurance in the workout room!

In 2016, she received the Distinguished Service Award in recognition of her caring service to Indian River Estates residents and staff.

She rode her stationary bicycle every day (while reading her Bible), walked the pathways, stopped to smell the roses, watched for the first robin every Spring, and admired the sunsets. Above all, she loved and cared for her family – so much so, that her two children purchased homes in Vero Beach so that her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were able to spend more time with her there.

She was predeceased by her loving husband of 67 years, Robert Tuckley Williams, in 2005, and her daughter-in-law of 40 years, Bette Hill Williams, in 2008.

She is survived by her son, Stuart & Suzi (Williamson) Williams – Vero Beach & Colorado; her daughter Nancy & Robert Walter – Vero Beach & Binghamton, NY; grandchildren: Stuart, Jr. & Jacqueline (Noades) Williams – London, UK; Robert, Jr. & Jacqueline (Reese) Walter – Sunrise, FL; Kimberly (Walter) & Benjamin Urich – San Diego; Tuckley Williams – Los Angeles; five great-grandchildren: Thomas, Daniel & Annabel Williams – London, UK, London & Larrabee Williams – Los Angeles; and nieces Carol Thompson, Alexis and Molly Phillips.

She was a revered example of maternal nurture, generosity, graciousness, wisdom, humor, selflessness and quiet dignity – she was deeply loved and will be greatly missed. At her request, there will be no memorial service. Interment will be at a later date in Vestal Hills Memorial Park.

Those wishing may make memorial contributions to The United Presbyterian Church of Binghamton, 42 Chenango St., Binghamton, NY 13901; Family Planning of South Central New York, 117 Hawley Street, Binghamton, NY 13901; or to a charity of their choice.