Maryalice “Mercy” Williams, 89, of Dubuque died Friday, September 2, 2016 at Stonehill Care Center after a long battle with cancer. A Memorial Mass will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, September 8, at the Church of the Resurrection where visitation will be held Thursday from 10 a.m. until time of service.
Mercy was born December 12, 1926 in Chicago, daughter of Robert and Mary (Norman) Walsh.
Mercy loved the variety of her life. She always treasured her family, and worked as an executive secretary for 37 years. She sang all of her life, and when she was 18, she auditioned and won the chance to by an understudy for the Lyric Opera. She studied voice privately for five years and at Yankton Conservatory for four more years; performing opera roles and singing for over 100 weddings and funerals.
When cancer struck, she lost her singing voice and decided to become a church Lector. She was a Stephen Minister for five years, and then a befriender at Resurrection Church, and she loved every minute. Before she died, she told her family that her life has been full, challenging, and most satisfying thanks to all the people she has met and served.
She is survived by her daughter, Patricia (Terry) Leahy; sons, Robert (Wendy), Paul, Jr. (Suzanne), and Aaron (Connie) Williams; her grandchildren, Bridget and Kevin Leahy; Isaac and Elyse Wheaton-Williams; Danielle, Jamie, and Blake Williams; and Justin and Josh Berres; and one great grandchild, Hailey Berres.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Williams; and a brother, Robert Walsh.
The Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Dubuque or Resurrection Church.
For more information, or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com.
The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Hospice of Dubuque, Stonehill Care Center, and the Church of the Resurrection for all their care.