May 2025

Clara “Andy” Anderson Williams, 91, of Old Saybrook, died peacefully Monday, May 12th, with family by her side.

Clara was born on September 16th, 1933, in Middletown, Connecticut to parents Reinhold and Dorothea (Bayley) Anderson. Clara achieved a B.S in Nursing from the University of Connecticut in 1956, and her M.S. from Columbia Teachers College in 1960.

Clara first met her future husband, Hank, in 1955 while attending college. They shared several meaningful years together before life took them in different directions. Maintaining their friendship, in the late 1960’s Hank and Clara reconnected romantically. Recognizing that they were right for each other, they married in 1970 and went on to share nearly 55 wonderful years of marriage.

Vacationing on Prince Edward Island in the late 1980’s, they fell in love with the landscape, bought a piece of property, and built a second home there, where they spent summers and operated a bed & breakfast known as Beds of Lavender for 20 years.

Clara’s impact on the world and the nursing community was immeasurable. After initially being appointed an Instructor at the University of Connecticut School of Nursing in 1956, she taught there until her retirement as Assistant Professor Emerita in 1992, continuing to work part time until 1997. Fondly known as “Andy” to her peers and students, she could be found holding lectures on campus, or in the halls of Hartford Hospital providing hands-on practical instruction. It is impossible to estimate the number of lives that have been impacted by the nursing students taught by Andy over her four-decade career. Her impact reached beyond the classroom, having been an active participant in the Connecticut Nurses’ Association for many years. This included service on multiple committees, as well as acting as Secretary and Chair of the Government Relations Council. In 1983, Clara was a Connecticut Nurses’ Association Diamond Jubilarian, receiving the Agnes Ohlson Award for Outstanding Contribution to Nursing Through Political Action. Clara received an award from the University of Connecticut for excellence in teaching, and was also awarded by Sigma Theta Tau, Mu Chapter, with the Josephine A. Dolan Award for Excellence in Teaching. In 1999, UConn presented Clara with the Carolyn Ladd Widmer Outstanding Alumni Award for Leadership in Nursing. As an example of her lasting impact on the nursing community, to this day the Clara Williams Holistic Nurse Award is presented annually to a UConn baccalaureate graduate who has demonstrated outstanding clinical skills and exceptional understanding of patients’ holistic needs.

In her retirement, Clara enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, word searches, and holding court with family and friends who stopped by for a visit.

Clara is survived by her husband of 54 years, Harry J. Williams of Old Saybrook, her children H.J. Williams of St. Louis, MO, Sally Ann Lee (Dylan) of Old Saybrook, CT, and her grandchildren Lauren, Colin, and Jonathan Vincent. She is predeceased by her parents.

Clara’s family extends heartfelt gratitude to Beth Geiss, who lovingly cared for Clara over many years with unwavering dedication and friendship. They are also sincerely thankful to Hayley, Heidi, and Patricia for their kind support and care during Clara’s final months.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 22ndat 10 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, 183 William Street, Portland. Burial will be in the family plot in Swedish Cemetery, Portland.

The Portland Memorial Funeral Home, 231 Main St., Portland, is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Harry J. and Clara Anderson Williams Memorial Fund at Zion Lutheran Church.