Catherine "Martie" (Noonan) Williams, 91, of Newtown died peacefully May 1, surrounded by her loving family. She was born November 27, 1925.

She lived her younger years in Bridgeport, where she gained experience as a legal secretary beginning at age 13, working for her father in his law office. In her early 20s she worked for GE, where she met the love of her life, Marshall Williams. They were together for 70 years, including 67 wonderful years of marriage.

Mrs Williams devoted her life to raising their five children with sweet love and a gentle, non-condemning spirit, in the loving home that they had built together in Newtown 57 years ago and where she was able to live her final days.

After raising a family, she worked with the young mentally handicapped children at the Southbury Training School. She was also active in the local unit of NARC, a national association for mentally handicapped children, serving as secretary and treasurer.

After years of service for NARC, Mrs Williams returned to paralegal work and was employed as a legal secretary for a Bridgeport law firm.

She was very active in her beloved church, St Rose of Lima. She led the Rosary for many years, participated in Spiritual Journey, delivered Meals On Wheels, and volunteered at Ashlar Convalescent Home.

Together Mr and Mrs Williams enjoyed 28 years with the Rocking Rooster Square Dance Club of Newtown. They enjoyed traveling and going to games to watch their grandchildren play. She loved the ocean, daffodils, coffee, chocolate, and sometimes jelly doughnuts. She always loved the beach, especially Stratford beach in Lordship, where she would often stop for a cheeseburger at her favorite spot, Marnick's.

Mrs Williams cherished her family. Her children and their spouses, Larry and Nancy Williams of Southbury, Patricia and Ben Struski of Southbury, Mark Williams of Danbury, Daniel and Maureen Williams of Woodbury, and Roy and Lisa Williams of Middlebury; her brothers, Jack Noonan of Haddon Heights, N.J., and Harry and Vivian Noonan of Baltimore, Md.; her 15 grandchildren and spouses; Larry Williams, Jr, Peter Williams, Lauren and Dan Kupis, Ben Struski Jr, Tania Struski, Janae and Mike Rachiele, Jeremy and Jennifer Struski, Darla and Fred Marcantonio, Annaliese Struski, Aaron Williams, Alex Williams, Sam Williams, Taylor and Allen Fitzsimmons, Mitchell and Nikki Williams, and Brooke Williams; her 12 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews survive her.

Her beloved Marshall, who she missed immensely; her baby son, Alan Williams; her parents, Kate and Robert E. Noonan; her brother, Dr Robert Noonan, and his wife Doris; her sister, Eleanor Noonan Troy, and her husband Collins; and her sister-in-law, Marge Noonan, predeceased her.

Friends and relatives may call at the Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown, on Sunday, May 7, from 2 to 5 pm. A Mass will be at St Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church, 46 Church Hill Road, on Monday, May 8, at 11 am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Mrs Williams' name to St Rose of Lima Church, 46 Church Hill Road, Newtown CT 06470.