Madonna Williams

On May 6th, 2024, at the age of 85, in the presence of family, Madonna Williams (nee Oliver) peacefully passed away and joined her heavenly family. Madonna, known as “Donnie” and affectionately “Aunt Donnie” by many, was a beloved mother, grandmother, and mother-in-law.

She leaves to mourn: Warrick, Audrey O’Brien (Jim, Erica, and Michael), Chris (Dwana and Sherri) and Lisa Woodfine (Tony, Emily, and Mackenzie (fiancé Nicholas), brothers-in-law Hector Williams (Elaine) and Les Baker of Listowel, Ont., special cousin Eleanor of Little Brook, N.S., and a large circle of other cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Predeceased by her husband Eric Wm., daughter Scharmaine, parents William and B. Maude Oliver, sisters Mary Kresky (Tony), Rose Stanich (Paul), Bernadine Gulliver, Maureen Baker, Genevieve Yard (Charles), Pauline Oliver (Deuce Gulliver), Georgina Draves (Wayne), parents-in-law Ernest and Rita Williams, sisters-in-law Audrey Williams, Lorna Auld (Norman), Clarice Williams (Albert), and brothers-in-law Harry Williams (Frances), and Owen Williams (Rebecca).

Born in St. John’s on August 4th, 1938, the sixth of eight daughters of William and B. Maude Oliver, Madonna was the last-surviving sister of their family. In 1958, she married her husband Eric Wm. Williams. During their 45 years together, they raised their family and resided in the Goulds where she continued to live until her passing. Madonna was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She took great pride in her family and was a loving, kind, and gentle woman. She encouraged and supported all her children and grandchildren in their endeavors.

Madonna loved hosting many family members on their return visits home after leaving NL. The sight of fresh clothes on the line and the smell of home-cooked dinners were the essence of Madonna’s nurturing presence. She warmed the hearts and bellies of all who had the pleasure to join her. Madonna took great delight in her travels to the mainland and United States to visit her beloved family and friends. A most-cherished journey was her family trip to Ireland to celebrate her 75th birthday.

She always found joy in a friendly game of cards or bingo, the excitement of a shopping trip, and the comfort of a warm cup of tea while doing her word searches with Irish Country and spiritual music playing. In the past few years, Madonna thoroughly-enjoyed her membership in the Goulds Daffodil Seniors Club.

She will be remembered for her beautiful dancing, tending to her garden, and her kind heart. Madonna will be dearly missed, forever loved, and fondly remembered by all who knew her.

Special thanks to Rev. Fred Marshall, Father Francis Roche, and the nursing staff and doctors of 4 West at St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital for their care of Madonna in her final hours.

The family will receive visitors at Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road, St. John’s, on Wednesday and Thursday, May 8th and 9th from 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Funeral with celebration of life will take place at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Goulds at 2:00 PM on Friday, May 10th. Interment to follow at Presentation Cemetery, Goulds.  Madonna’s funeral service will be livestreamed from St. Paul’s Anglican Church Facebook Page at: https://www.facebook.com/stpaulsgoulds. 

“Gentle Woman”