Martha Ann Williams
August 29, 1948 ~ September 30, 2022
Resided in:
South Portland, Maine
South Portland-Martha Ann McFarland Williams, 74, formerly of Henry Street, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 30, 2022 at Maine Medical Center Portland.
She was born in Portland, Maine on August 29, 1948 the daughter of the late Edward P. McFarland and Alice Maney McFarland. She was educated in Gorham and Scarborough schools and graduated from the University of Maine Orono in 1970. After graduation she joined the Peace Corps and spent two years California. When she returned home she joined the staff of Scarborough High School as an English teacher and remained there for 30 years until her retirement.
In 1979 she married Glyn Williams from London England and they made their home in South Portland until his death in 2015.
She is survived by her daughter, Katherine Gurney and husband, Ben and her grandson, William of San Clemente CA; her brother, Edward “Bo” McFarland of South Portland; two nieces and a nephew and several cousins; her sister in law, Nadia Williams of Edinburgh; brothers in law Stephen Williams, Wayne Williams and Jeffrey Williams all of England.
A Graveside Service will be held on Tuesday, October 4, 2022 at 11:00am at Calvary Cemetery, Broadway, South Portland, ME. Arrangements are under the direction of the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home, 1024 Broadway, South Portland, Maine. To view Martha’s memorial page, or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com
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Rest In Peace my dear sister.
Rest In Peace my dear sister❤️
Your brother Bo.
My condolences on Martha’s passing.
She was a wonderful human being to all she came in contact with. May she rest in peace.
Thank you for tolerating me in your English and Latin classes-rest in peace.
So sad to hear of Martha’s passing. She was a warm and loving person. Charlie went to school with Martha and took her to Senior Prom. I taught with her at Scarborough High School for 30 years. She was a dear friend and I know she will be missed by many.
Dear Family,
I just learned of Martha’s passing from the Univ of Maine obituaries. I knew Martha from school where we were friends. I was in touch with her in later years but somehow we lost touch after she sold the house. She was a kind, compassionate and smart person. May you all be comforted in this time of need.
So sorry to hear about Martha’s passing. We worked together at SHS. She was so kind and compassionate. Every year she would teach her students about Boxing Day! I am sure Martha is in Heaven reading her books and having tea with the Queen.
Mrs.Wiliams was my all time favorite teacher. She was always so patient and kind. I was quiet and shy , she made me feel so special like i was her only student. Years later i saw her at the Maine Mall she came up to me and gave me a hug. We talked for about a half hour. She was a very special person in my life when i was in high school. So sad to hear she passed away. May Mrs. Williams Rest In Piece
Martha was such a sweet soul, always happy to see you. She was kind and caring, an amazing teacher and friend.
God’s speeds, Martha!
Linda Sprague-Lambert
Dear Kate,
I’m so sorry to hear about your mother’s passing. I have fond memories of her and your entire family. God Bless. Lisa Miller
RIP Martha. I remember playing with you and your brother Bobo many years ago. The years passed and we lost contact…but we were still “cousins”.
Your cousin,
Mary Ann Gouzie Hurd
Kitty Hawk, NC
Dear Kate,Bo and all the family,I was so sad to hear about Martha.She was such a special lady! Looking at the family pictures brought back so many good memories of our times together. Your family was always so special to Bob and to me.Please know that my love and prayers are with all of you.❤️🙏🏻
Remembering our childhood and family get togethers, especially the 4th of July’s. Rest In Peace Martha
Mrs Williams was a great English teacher. As someone who struggled with writing, she helped me find my written voice and I will always be grateful for that. Thank you and Rest In Peace.
I was in her class when she was falling in love it was magical to watch her light up
She was my teacher and then my friend
A pure heart a role model a gift to us all
Restored to her perfection
Martha was a dear friend from 6th grade all the way through 4 years at U/Maine in Orono. We live in South Carolina. One fairly recent wonderful memory for me was having a long lunch at Ken’s at Pine Point with Martha and Sally Vose. We spent several hours catching up. Martha’s mind was as sharp as ever as her physical body was failing. I’ll always remember you my friend.
On Saturdays, we would take the bus to Portland and head to our favorite stores. We kept going back to our favorite book, “The Bug Book” at JE Palmer (I think).
We thought it was so funny because the bugs would turn an “interesting color blue when they were at home.”
Caring, forgiving, passionate about social justice
We shared so many wonderful times as students at SHS. We had lots of in-jokes that would collapse us in laughter every time we thought of them.
Dear Kate and Family,
We are sending our deepest condolences and have fond memories of our neighbor and friend.
Rest assured Boris is still keeping track of the property!
Sincerely with love,
Jo, Stephanie and JoJo
Martha was a sweet friend who loved her husband Glyn and dog Oreo! She enjoyed visits with friends and would often talk about her time teaching and her love for her students. I believe she is happy in heaven walking with her loves!
Two pictures of Martha visiting Rome, Italy at Easter with her/our, beloved Nana Mac, aka, Ella McGahey McFarland, cousins Patty and Nancy Wallace, and Joan Polito Gildart. 💜💜💜
Two lovely pictures of our Sweetest cousin Martha celebrating her birthday + generously, as always, SHARING with her cousins, friends, and big bro Bo!! 🎂🍨🍭🥰
Even as a young child Martha cared more about people + animals than “material things.” Throughout her life she considered quality time with family, friends, students and colleagues the most important 🎁 🎁🎁 in life. Everyone who knew Martha will agree she truly was, and will always be, a precious gift to us all. 💜💜💜