Margaret Ann (Brunner) Williams

On Saturday evening, July 13th, Margaret Ann Williams (Brunner) added her voice to the heavenly chorus. Her gentle spirit and exuberant personality created a treasure trove of memories for all who knew her.

She was born the third of five children on March 14, 1952, to parents who instilled in her an abiding faith in God and the courage to persevere no matter the circumstance. For Margaret, Jesus's message to love one another was more than words but the way she lived daily life. She focused on the positive, seeing the good in everyone and tirelessly working to promote peace and justice.

Growing up in a large family, Margaret loved nothing more than to be surrounded by children enjoying their play and laughter. She made that her life's mission by diligently working for 40 years as a Special Education Teacher and Early Childhood Intervention Specialist. She understood, through her own experiences, the kind of support families truly needed. Her colleagues attested to her ability to enrich and uplift the children and families she cared for. It was far more than a job but a vocation to which God had called her.

Among her many talents, Margaret had an extraordinary voice, a gift she shared willingly to the delight of many. In her younger years she was the lead vocalist in the band Elegy IV, but was best known for her longtime membership in the contemporary group at St. Bernard's Church. Her music still lives in the memories of all who heard her sing, as well as in her children and grandchildren who carry with them her musical talents.

Following in her own mother's footsteps, Margaret's culinary skills satisfied many an appetite as she loved making elaborate meals and baking for large family gatherings. But undoubtedly enjoying a slice of one of her homemade pies was the pinnacle of any meal.

Above all, Margaret's greatest joy was being present in the lives of her children and grandchildren. Her nurturing spirit and unwavering dedication allowed her family to grow and develop into the people they are meant to be. She never tired of the energy, noise, and whirlwind of activity that came with every family gathering. She was energized by being in the middle of it all and loved being together as often as possible. While her earthly presence will be greatly missed, all of us will treasure every memory of Margaret's smile, hear her voice in our hearts, and know that she truly embodied faith, hope, and love in every moment of her life.

Preceded in death by her loving parents, Robert and Mildred Brunner, brother-in-law Jerry Kline, and her infant daughter Karen Elizabeth, she is survived by her husband of 39 years Brian; children: René Marie Stufft (Jonathan), Colleen Ann Dula (Joseph), Stephen DeForeest Clark (Emily), Joseph Robert Williams (Angela); grandchildren: Lorelai, Luke, Joseph John, Nicholas, Christopher, Vivian, Andrew, Adeline, Natalie, and Zoë; brother Edward Brunner (Linda), sister Dorothy Black (James), sister Lois Kline, and brother Robert Brunner (Brenda), along with numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

The family expresses its gratitude to Visiting Angels (especially Janice Hileman), the staff at Danberry Senior Living, and Southern Care Hospice Services who provided tremendous care and concern for Margaret at the end stages of her life.

Those who wish to make a memorial in honor of Margaret are encouraged to donate to either the Muscular Dystrophy Association or the Parkinson's Foundation.

Calling hours will be at the Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz Funeral Home, 1990 S. Main St. Akron, on Friday July 19th between the hours of 4:00pm and 7:00pm. A Funeral Mass will take place at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 44 University Ave. Akron, on Saturday, July 20th at 9:30 am. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery will follow.