Cathy Lynne Williams

Jan. 21, 1960– April 27, 2024

Cathy Lynne Williams born January 21, 1960, loving daughter, sister and friend passed peacefully on April 27, 2024, in Oklahoma City after the sudden onset of an intestinal illness. Her sister, Karen Williams of Worcester, MA, who she is survived by was at her side. Cathy is also survived by her dogs Frank and Roxie, her nephew Jason Donges-Williams and sister-in-law Cynthia Donges all from Worcester MA along with many close friends including Phil Smith of Clinton, OK, and her extended family. She was the loving daughter of Mary Catherine Williams (Winfield, KS) and Lawrence Dean Williams (Anthony, KS). She cared for her mother, Mary, during the last few years of her life. They enjoyed the time they were able to spend together.

Cathy was born in Eugene, OR, and grew up in San Jose, CA. She attended Murdock Elementary, Miller Junior High, and Lynbrook High School graduating in 1978. She later attended De Anza College, Excelsior College and Western Oklahoma State College. She earned several degrees and including a nursing degree. She was a lifelong learner.

She worked in behavioral health facilities in San Jose, CA, and Anchorage, AK, early in her career. She later moved to Cordell, OK, with her ex-husband Joe Smith (predeceased) supporting his desire and dream to help to raise cattle with his family in rural OK. In Oklahoma she became a registered nurse working at Cordell Memorial Hospital for many years and most recently at River Valley Skilled Nursing and Therapy. She was a regular volunteer with the youth group at Church of Christ.

Cathy loved life. She loved to read, was a collector of books and always working to expand her mind and knowledge. She believed in holistic medicine and the power of the mind. She would research natural remedies offering up suggestions for her friends and family. Early on she dreamed of being a doctor but caregiving as a nurse, friend and family member was her true calling. She was a very spiritual person appreciating the virtues in many religions including Buddhism, New Age, Sufism, Native American and Christianity. She embodied the best from each of them and used them as an anchor and guide for her life. She enjoyed a good movie, soap opera, meal and music. Some of her favorite groups were Neil Young, CSNY, Dan Fogelberg and Fleetwood Mac.

She could talk to anyone and always offered a supportive ear. Her friends and family know and remember her as a caring and kind soul, always there for them with words of support. She was accepting, non-judgmental and always calm. She was a true friend and companion, deeply devoted to so many. She was not afraid to say “I love you” to those she was close to and felt each time she did so, a little hate was defeated from the universe.

She knew how to live life in the moment and not let the stress of things get in her way. She lived her life at an easy pace which set an example for all. Her loving sister, family and friends are comforted to know she is now at peace and her spirit is now flying free making the universe a little happier.

The family asks that those wishing to honor Cathy please do something kind in honor of her spirit that would make the world a gentler and more loving place. For those that must do a little more, in lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation to Friends for Life Animal Sanctuary, PO Box 1965, Weatherford, OK 73096, www. okfflas.org, or your favorite charity.