Helen Williams, 78, passed away peacefully on February 16. She fought hard after her cancer diagnosis, but she ultimately succumbed to the illness. She was surrounded by her loved ones during her final moments.

She fulfilled her passion working with children as a teacher in New York for 22 years and then 11 years here in Florida. She was married to the love of her life, Ron, for 50 years. They lived a great life together traveling to Las Vegas, Biloxi, Atlantic City, and Disney World. They raised their daughter, Jessica, whom they both loved very much. Helen would often say how proud she was of the woman Jessica had become. She was blessed to see Jessica become a wonderful mother to her granddaughter, Katharina, who amazed her everyday with her love, spirit, kindness, and intelligence.

Helen touched the lives of many of her students who she kept in touch with through the years. They all spoke about how caring Helen was and how she made an impact on their lives. She will be remembered for her love of reading, watching old horror movies, spending time with friends and family, and her knowledge for Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy.

Helen is survived by her sister, Jeanne Ennis; her brother Richard Collery; her daughter, Jessica Mitch; son-in-law, Ronald (JR) Mitch; her granddaughter, Katharina Mitch; and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband, Ron, and both of her parents, John and Mary Collery. She is now reunited in heaven with her loving husband, Ron.

Funeral service will take place at Our Lady of the Rosary in Land O Lakes. Date and time will be announced at a later date.