Mary “Mindy” Williams

Mary “Mindy” Williams was born in Hudson, Ohio, lived a life defined by love, family, creativity, generosity. She grew up with her four siblings and carried with her throughout her life many fond memories of her childhood and the special times she shared with her family.

Mindy was kind, intelligent, generous, and always willing to help others. She had a wonderful dry sense of humor and a quick wit, along with a healthy dose of sarcasm. She never held back when she had something to say and was never afraid to speak her mind. But perhaps what people will remember most was the way she made others feel. She had a natural ability to make people feel welcome, cared for, and loved. And to the people she loved, she loved them “MOST.”

Mindy and Rick were married for 26 years. Their marriage was built on a deep love and friendship, and Rick was not only her husband but her best friend. Together, they shared a wonderful life. They were married on the beach in Cozumel, Mexico, a special occasion where their six children met one another for the first time.

Throughout their years together, they found happiness in the simple things—gardening, being creative, and spending time together at home. Their life together was filled with the everyday moments that become the most meaningful memories, like working side by side, visiting with their families or simply enjoying each other’s company.

Caring for her family was one of the most important parts of Mindy’s life. She was incredibly proud of her children and grandchildren, and their happiness meant everything to her.

Her family knew how much she loved them, not only through the things she said, but through everything she did. She gave her time, her creativity, her energy, and her heart to the people she loved. Her greatest wish was simply to have more time with them.

Mindy had a tremendous love for animals. Her dogs, Koda and Maggie, held a very special place in her heart. She seemed to have a natural ability to make animals feel safe, loved, and cared for. The love and patience she showed them reflected the same compassion she showed to the people in her life.

Mindy was naturally creative and found joy throughout her life in making things with her hands. Quilting was probably her favorite hobby. She created beautiful quilts, putting tremendous amounts of time, creativity, and love into each one. Those quilts will remain among her most meaningful gifts. They are not simply things she made—they are pieces of her, carrying the time, care, and love she put into creating them.

Mindy was also an excellent baker. She was known for her homemade pound cake, cookies, and brownies, and her children grew up knowing that birthdays meant a homemade cake from Mom. She and Rick loved cooking together, and their family never left their house hungry

Mindy found happiness in the simple pleasures of life. One of her favorite places was the porch swing Rick made especially for her. She loved sitting there to talk, relax, or simply spend some quiet time outside. She also loved the beach. Some of her happiest memories were made there with her family—enjoying the water, the sunshine, and most importantly, being together.

Mindy faced the later years of her life with remarkable courage and grace. Through difficult times, her love for Rick, her children, and her grandchildren remained her strength and her reason to keep going. More than anything, she wanted more time with the people she loved. That desire—to be with her family and to share more life with them—said so much about who Mindy was.

Mindy will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, creativity, humor, strength, and, above all, her deep love for her family. She will also be remembered for all the things she made with her hands. Her greatest legacy will not be found in the things she created; it will live in the people she loved and in the memories she gave them.

She will be remembered in family gatherings, in stories shared around the table, with the smell of homemade bread and birthday cakes, on the quiet comfort of the porch swing, or the comfort of a handmade quilt. Mindy gave so much of herself to the people she loved. She made them feel welcomed, cared for, and loved. And to those who knew her best, she will always be loved “MOST.”

Mindy was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Grace (Alexander) Hickman; sister, Christine; and brother-in-law, Bill. In addition to her loving husband, Rick, she is survived by her children, Daniel Donato II, David Donato (Stacy), Regina Donato (Andrew Cormier), Christopher Williams (Danielle), Timothy Williams (Donna), and Megan Deery (Martin); grandchildren, David II, Owen, Nathan, Clare, Selena, Samantha, Mackenzie, Madison, Jack, and Amanda; great granddaughter, Avery; siblings, Cherie (David), Dorene, and Ralph (Candy); her beloved dogs, Maggie and Koda; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A visitation for family and friends will be held from 9:00 am until 10:30 am on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 North DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE, where a memorial service will begin at 10:30 am. Interment will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mindy’s memory may be made to Steps to Cure Sarcoma Fund payable to Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania, Abramson Cancer Center Development, Attention: Karleigh Rose Pettit, 3535 Market Street, Suite 750, Philadelphia, PA 19104 or by clicking here.