Mary Alice 'Patty' (Ide) Williams

Troy - Patty Ide Williams died peacefully at home on March 5, 2016 with her daughters by her side.  Patty was born November 26, 1932, in Troy, NY, the daughter of Kathryn and George Ide II, sister of Kathryn (Ted Mellor) and George P. Ide the III (Anne Thomas). Patty was predeceased by her husband of 51 years, Graham George Williams.  Graham, an architect and professor at RPI for over 50 years, died in 2005. Together Patty and Graham had two daughters, Wendy (husband Allen Grindle) and Amy Williams (fiancé Patrick Madden).  She also had two grandchildren, Sam and Hannah Haight, the lights of her life. 

Patty’s life centered around her family, her faith and her love of the arts.  Summers were spent at Forest Lake Park in Grafton where the family had a summer camp and sailing adventures on Lake George.

Patty attended Emma Willard School and Skidmore College where she received a BS in Art Education.  Throughout her life Patty was passionate about teaching young children to express themselves with paint and art materials.  Countless friends from ages 15 to 60 fondly recall ‘Patty’s painting porch’, a gathering place for the kids of Forest Lake to experiment and participate in a wide range of art activities pretty much any time of the day.

Patty was strong in her faith and commitment to her church. She worshipped at St. John’s Episcopal Church, was baptized, married and will have her final liturgy in this sacred place. She will be remembered by her family and many friends as a gentle compassionate soul with a quick smile and always willing to help others.

Please join in the celebration of Patty’s life on Friday, March 11 at 10:30 AM at St. John’s Episcopal Church, First and Liberty Street Troy. Contributions to St. John's Episcopal Church 146 First Street Troy, NY 12180 in her memory or The Arts Center of the Capital Region (Scholarship Fund) 265 River Street Troy, NY 12180 are requested in lieu of flowers.

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