Nancy J. (Russell) Williams

Nancy Jane Williams, 90, entered into eternal life on Monday, March 31, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.  She was born May 24, 1934 in Poughkeepsie, NY to the late Harvey and Frances Russell.  Nancy grew up on Townsend Boulevard where a treasure trove of childhood memories were created.  She attended Arlington Central High School.  After graduation, she married Ralph Albertson; together they had eight children.  The marriage ended, yet Nancy worked hard to raise her children alone. 

After a period of time, she began to pray that God would bring her a “good man” – even giving God a check-list of characteristics she deemed important.  Along came Harley Howard Williams, with his sparkling blue eyes.  He checked all the boxes.  Harley had two children from a previous marriage.  When Harley and Nancy married, their children together now totaled 10; but that didn’t stop them from adding just one more.  Nancy spent a lot of time cooking, baking and canning. Over the years she worked outside of their home as well.  Harley and Nancy loved each other profoundly.  She never stopped missing him after he passed in 2013.  

Not long after Harley passed, Nancy felt called to join the Catholic Church and Fr. Timothy Taugher, from St. Francis of Assisi Parish, warmly welcomed her. At almost 80 years young she joined the church and began singing in the choir, which she continued to do until a few weeks prior to passing. The choir members became her second family and she cherished them all, many visited her frequently while she was sick. 

In addition to choir, Nancy was a master knitter and crocheter making countless blankets for her loved ones.  She enjoyed shopping, especially for shoes and purses calling them “must haves.” Nancy led a full life and found joy in the little things. 

Before passing she said this of her children, “I never stopped loving them.”  She leaves this final message for her family: “Jesus means everything to me. You cannot go to the Heavenly Father except through Jesus.  I do believe this!”  Lastly, “Try to love each other.” With her final breath, her beloved Jesus took her hand and led her home.   

In additional to Harley and her parents, Nancy is predeceased by her two brothers; Merle & Donald Russell, sons; David Albertson & Timothy Williams, grandson; Adam Brown, daughter-in-law; Stacy Cortese-Williams, son-in-law; Thomas Bobnick.  Nancy is survived by her children Randall (Priscilla) Albertson, Andrew (Cindy) Albertson, Kevin (Cindy) Albertson, Brian (Marilyn) Albertson, Clover Bobnick, Sandra (David) Collison, Otto (Rebekah) Albertson, Carl Albertson, John (Patty) Williams, and Daughter-in-law, Diana Albertson, 26 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren. 

As a final note, we would like to thank our brother, Carl Albertson, for being the ultimate “Driving Miss Daisy” chauffeur, spending countless hours driving Mom to doctor appointments, grocery shopping, church and choir practices.  We love you Carl.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, April 3 from 5-7 pm at the Thomas J. Shea Funeral Home, Inc., 137 Robinson Street, Binghamton.  A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, April 4, at 10 am, St. Francis of Assisi Parish, 1031 Chenango Street, Binghamton.  On Friday afternoon, Nancy’s family will take her to her final resting place beside Harley at the Walton Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be sent to St. Francis of Assisi Parish, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or the charity of your choice. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Nancy J. (Russell) Williams, please visit our floral store.