Jane Ann Williams, 76, died September 9, 2024, in Akron. Alzheimer’s took from her memories of a life spent caring for others.
Born July 1, 1948, in Dayton, Ohio to Ralph and Alice Pauline Spiess (née Norris), Jane spent her growing up years in Bowling Green. She volunteered as a candy striper at Wood County hospital, and one of her charges there was retired Bowling Green police chief Carl “Shorty” Galliher, who recalled for her his 1931 shootout with Pretty Boy Floyd just blocks from Jane’s home.
Jane’s interest in Latin America in high school led to time as an exchange student in Lima, Peru. In 1970 she earned an education degree with Spanish minor from the University of Akron. She married fellow student, Edmundo Delgado in 1971, a native of Ecuador and a naturalized US citizen. They ended the marriage in 1974.
Jane returned to the university to get a nursing degree in 1976. After her final exam, Jane put her pencil down, walked to the nearby First United Methodist Church, and married Michael Lee Williams.
Jane claimed all that poking and prodding nursing students did to each other when they practiced starting IVs was why she chose psych over med-surg nursing. She earned a masters in psychiatric nursing at Kent State in 1985 while raising her family. Jane’s career spanned many Northeast Ohio hospitals. Her favorite gig was her six years with the VA, visiting veterans suffering from mental illness. She helped them stay stable and out of the hospital and said her feedback from vets and families was an immediate and heartfelt gratitude.
In retirement, she was able to share the culture and sights of Mexico and Ecuador with husband Mike, making new friends there with her fluent Spanish. Jane volunteered with Mobile Meals, reconnected with Delta Zeta sorority classmates, and joined PEO. The good people at Unity Chapel of Light in Tallmadge were a great comfort as her disease progressed.
Preceded in death by her parents, Jane leaves husband Michael; her brother Joseph Spiess; and her sons Nathan and Trevor Williams. She also leaves nephew Andrew Spiess and niece Maria Spiess and a host of dear friends.
Husband Michael thanks the staff at Greenfield Alzheimer’s Care Center and Southern Care Hospice for their kind and love-filled attention.
An open house gathering to celebrate Jane’s life will take place on Sept. 22, 2024, from 2-5 p.m. at The Bath Church United Church of Christ, 3980 W. Bath Road, Akron, OH 44333.
Cremation has taken place. Memorial donations in Jane’s name may be sent to the Greater East Ohio Area Chapter – Alzheimer’s Association, 408 9th St. SW Suite 3400, Canton, OH 44707.
To share a memory, send a condolence, or light a candle, please visit the Tribute Wall at www.billowfuneralhomes.com (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)
