Obituary of Marian P. Williams

Marian P. Williams (Pennock), 96, of Syracuse, New York, died peacefully on Thursday, January 7, 2021, of Covid 19 at The Commons on St. Anthony in Auburn, New York. She was predeceased by her husband, Cleon. L. Williams, Jr., (Willie), her twin sister, Clarice P. Burg, and her oldest daughter, Martha W. Seneta.

She is survived by her sister, Eunice P. Kaymen, of Branford, CT, and her daughters Virginia W. Kenney (Daniel) of Morris Township, NJ, and Lucy H. Williams of Skaneateles, NY.  

Marian was blessed with five grandchildren with whom she loved to spend time. They are Martha Hewitt Seneta (Colin Kjosen) of Seattle, Christopher Seneta of Hudson, NH, Laura Kenney (Joel Fernandes) of Rockaway, NJ, Caroline Kenney of Morris Township, NJ, and Timothy Kenney (Anne Norton) of West Roxbury, MA. Marian was a great grandmother to Benjamin Fernandes, Joshua Kjosen and Leo Kenney, and she leaves many dear nieces, nephews and cousins.

Marian (and twin, Clarice) was born on January 20, 1924, in Boston to Dr. John Winthrop Pennock and Clarice Leavell Pennock. The family moved to Solvay in 1926 where Marian attended Cherry Road School and then the Goodyear-Burlingame School. She graduated Vassar College in 1945, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts, and married Willie in May the same year. During their married life, they resided in Solvay and later, Westvale.  

Marian was a life-long member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Syracuse, where she was a Eucharistic minister for over 20 years. She was dedicated to bringing Holy Communion to fellow parishioners and adding a moment of companionship to their day. She was a Girl Scout leader and involved in the Junior League and Vassar Club. She earned a Master of Arts (Education) from Syracuse University in 1964 and taught elementary education for 16 years in both West Genesee and Marcellus School Districts. Marian loved to travel to the national parks and prided herself that she visited 42 out of our 50 states. She cherished her family’s summer place, the Pines, on Skaneateles Lake, which she shared with her many cousins. And Marian and Willie were fortunate to own acreage in Ontario for over 25 years, where they canoed on their lake and enjoyed nature in their tranquil setting. 

Marian’s family wish to extend their gratitude to all the staff at The Commons on St. Anthony who gave her love and care during the last few years of her life.

Services: Due to Covid 19, a Celebration of Marian’s life will be delayed until the summer. Burial will be in the family plot in Borodino.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Baltimore Woods Nature Center, P.O. Box 133, Marcellus, NY, 13108.