Bodil Wilson
May 13, 1937 – Dec 8, 2025
Bodil Wilson died peacefully at her Williamstown home late on December 8, 2025. She died with family and caregivers at her side after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Her wish was to die at home, and as sad as we are to lose her, we are grateful that we were able to make that final wish come true.
The Danish born middle child of General Hans Andersen and Inger Andersen, she lived the life of an army brat moving 13 times by the time she finished high school. In 1956, she took a boat to New York City (she still has the menu and list of passengers) to take a position as an au pair at the Damroth home in Tarrytown, NY. Jane Damroth had 3 young boys and wanted some help. Jane also had a younger brother, Harry, who came to visit. Harry and Bodil quickly fell in love. After her year as an au pair, Bodil returned to Denmark to complete her undergraduate education. She and Harry maintained a long-distance courtship, sending letters to each other regularly. Harry flew to Denmark in 1957 (over 20 hours and several stops to refuel) where they were engaged next to a windmill outside Den Gamle By. On June 28, 1959, they were married in Denmark.
They lived in NYC while Harry was a medical resident and in France while Harry was in the US Air Force. In 1963, the couple put down roots in Williamstown. A year later, they moved to their home on Green River Road. They never left. Bodil spent 61 years there.
An unapologetic homemaker, Bodil attended to her home, husband and two boys with the precision and creativity of a fine artist. She was known throughout her long life for her hyggelige home, Danish cuisine, delicious desserts and most of all her loving care and concern for her family and friends of all generations. Her Danish family said that if you wanted to experience a Danish Christmas, you should go to Williamstown. Over the years, Bodil worked to create a beautiful garden where she lovingly cared for trees, flowers, fruit trees, and bushes. Visitors in spring and summer would often depart with a bouquet that Bodil plucked only minutes before. She loved walking around the garden as she pointed out various plants and trees of importance to her. At the right times of year, the tour would include picking and eating delicious raspberries.
Bodil loved life, nature, and the small moments of everyday living, where she always found joy. Even in her last moments of lucidity, she expressed appreciation for the birds at the feeder, the flowers on the table, and the sun shining through the window.
She is survived by her younger sister Merete Brix-Christensen (Varde, Denmark), two sons, Michael Craig and John Christian, and three grandchildren: Liam, Stephen, and Norah. A celebration of life will be held in the Williamstown area on May 16, 2026.