Sarah "Sally" Williams

Sarah (Sally) Atwell Williams of Lemitar, New Mexico, transitioned into the next great adventure on June 11, 2018. She was 78 years old. She is survived by her sister, Martha Atwell and brother, Richard Atwell and her four children, Francis John, Siobhan, Kathleen & Philip Brooks as well as three grandchildren, Frank, Brienne and Rachel.

Born in Iowa in 1939 to Susan and John Atwell, Sally grew up in Fort Dodge during the Second World War, and spent her high school years as a bobby soxer. In 1958 she was admitted to Georgetown University, School of Foreign Service in the first graduating class of women. During her matriculation, she penned a column in the Georgetown School of Foreign Services Monthly journal titled "it seems to me". Writing would always continue to be part of her life, with poetry, memoires, and blogs. Among her self-published work is a book in memory of her older sister, Judith Atwell as well as a complete history of her father’s war legacy including his experience as a Prisoner of War after being captured at Bataan. Both of these compelling pieces required extensive research, correspondence and compilation. In fact, her love for the open road led her to many people who knew both her sister and her father, and consequently, caused her to pass through what would be her later home state of New Mexico.

It was at Georgetown that Sally met her future husband, Robert Brooks Williams. They eloped to Puerto Rico in 1964 and were married for 38 years. For the duration of their marriage, Sally and Bob were fierce, outspoken advocates for underserved people. Settling first in Pittsburgh, and then moving to Sudbury, Massachusetts for the next 27 years where they raised their four children, Sally worked on behalf of the elderly and various politicians including human rights activist Congressman Father Robert Drinan. In 1997, Sally and Bob retired to Elkton, Virginia to be closer to two of their grandchildren, and both plunged right into service work. Sally began volunteering at the local food pantry and EAUS (Elkton Area United Services).

After the death of her husband in 2002, she moved to the state that touched her heart during a cross-country road trip in 1987, the land of enchantment, New Mexico. It was in Socorro and Lemitar that her children believe Sally truly glowed. Her love for New Mexico was deep, and with her usual aplomb, plunged into service work with the Bosque del Apache preserve. She met a group of incredible women who hosted a lively, weekly "Lunch Bunch", "Great Discussions" and book groups.

She loved traveling and took her last cross-country road trip in 2016 where she was able to visit her nieces and nephews, grand nieces and nephews and all of her children as well as write a lively blog about fulfilling her bucket list, which of course included numerous stops for infamous ice cream parlors.

A celebration of her life is planned for October 27th, 2018 at the Bosque del Apache and updates will be available on legacy.com or by emailing her daughter, Kathleen Williams, williamskteacher@gmail.com

To view information or leave a condolence, please visit www.danielsfuneral.com. Sarah's care has been entrusted to

Daniels Family Funeral Services

309 Garfield St

Socorro, NM 87801

575-835-1530