Sheila Gillespie (Nichols) Williams, 88 of Ledyard passed away peacefully at her home, on Cider Hill Farm surrounded by her loved ones on Thursday April 1st.
She was born on March 9th, 1933 in Boston, MA and spent most of her early years on Sunrise Farm in Vanceboro, ME & Mystic, CT. She moved to Ledyard in 1947, when her parents Russell T. Nichols and Grace C. Nichols (predeceased) purchased property. They began a successful business known as Cider Hill Turkey Farm, where they raised award winning bronze breasted turkeys for many years.
She attended Noank Grammar School until 1947 and graduated from R. E. Fitch in 1951. She continued her education at the University of Connecticut, where she graduated in 1955.
Sheila married the love of her life, Harold A. Williams Sr. of Ledyard in 1957 who predeceased her in 2001.
Sheila was a driven physical education teacher at R.E. Fitch in Groton, as well as Wheeler Jr. & Sr. High School in North Stonington. She coached girls cross county & cheerleading while at Wheeler. Sheila was a dedicated CNA at Greentree Manor in Waterford as well as Fairview in Groton for a combined total of 10 years. She served in the medical pool as a CNA because she wanted to help whenever she could. She was an EVS supervisor at Mohegan Sun for 9&½ years and retired after working as a trainer at Panera Bread at Foxwoods for 2&½ years.
Throughout her life she enjoyed hiking, camping, cookouts, traveling, horseback riding, reading & journaling. She traveled with her family from New England to Alaska, Canada and all throughout the United States. She was a member of First United Methodist Church.
She is survived by her four children, JoAnne E. Cassano of Danielson CT, Harold A. Williams Jr. of Rogers, CT, Brenda L. Vos of Washougal, WA and Cherie L. Williams of Ledyard, CT as well as her 10 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she is predeceased by 3 grandchildren, Kevin W. Vos, Francis N. Millet Jr. and Harold A. Williams. III. She also leaves behind her beloved dog & constant companion, Mr. Waggs.
There will be no service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:
First United Methodist Church
23 Willow St.
Mystic, CT 06335
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