Obituary of Patricia Mary Williams

Patricia Mary Williams (O’Callaghan) who resided in The Villages, FL, joined her Lord on December 24, 2020.  She was reunited for Christmas with her beloved husband of 72 years, Evan “Pudge” Williams, along with their lifelong and dear friend, Joseph Worst. Christmas Eve was the perfect day for Pat to earn her wings, as she was a woman who embodied the spirit of Christmas with her good cheer, deep faith and incredible generosity.

She was born in Newark, NJ and raised in (Park Slope) Brooklyn, NY. She moved to Belle Harbor, NY and had a summer residence in Breezy Point, NY. Pat was a queen in many ways, especially to her devoted husband “Pudge” who believed she was perfect in every way. She touched countless lives, but was best known for her reign at Breezy Point Racquet Club. At any time when passing the tennis courts, you would see Aunt Pat with swarms of children around her, vying for her attention and excitedly learning the finer points of the game. She was unparalleled in growing the children’s summer tennis program into a huge success with countless budding tennis players in Breezy Point and beyond, many of whom became lifelong friends.

Pat was particularly proud of her Irish heritage, being first generation Irish. Her parents, Jack O’Callaghan and Belle (McDermott)  O’Callaghan, emigrated to the US from counties Kerry and Roscommon respectively. In addition to numerous family visits to Ireland, she never missed a St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Rockaway or The Villages, even bringing her favorite Irish singer,  Andy Cooney, to perform at The Villages, who is now an annual favorite!

She had a love for food and dining, but was also one of the best cooks around, always having a group of enthusiastic diners that would gather around her perfectly set table. If you needed a place to go for a holiday dinner, there was always a place set for you because she never wanted anyone to be alone. She would also have a perfectly selected gift for you under the Christmas tree, which she kept up all year round, fully adorned with hundreds of sparkling ornaments and a sheet over it during the “off season” - Pat had the Christmas spirit all year long.

Pat was a fashionista, never missing an opportunity to shop and find the best deals around, looking impeccably dressed with sparkling jewelry to match her personality. As much as she loved to dress up, she found equal joy in giving to those less fortunate.

Perhaps what made her most special was the ability to bring people together and make everyone feel welcomed. She had a way of spotting someone in need and bringing them into her circle, which ran far and wide. She had a quick wit and great sense of humor, Pat was always at the center of a party and had a natural gravitational pull with anyone she encountered, especially children. She loved to dance to all types of music, notably Irish, and would get everyone up on the dance floor- willingly or unwillingly - but you were always glad she did.

Countless people shared how Pat changed their lives for the better due to her love, support and loyalty. She had the Irish gift of gab and made so many feel as if they were her “favorite”.  She was known as “Aunt Pat” to not only her beloved nieces and nephews, but many others whom she adopted and loved as her own family. 

Pat was the second child of Jack and Belle O’Callaghan’s six children. She was predeceased by her brothers, John and Fred O’Callaghan and survived by her two sisters Anne Boyhan and Mary Sturgis and her brother Joseph O’Callaghan and many nieces, nephews and close friends who will miss her dearly.

Due to Covid restrictions, there will be no wake, however a Mass of the Resurrection will be held at St. Timothy’s Catholic Church on Tuesday January 5, 2021 at 8:30 am. It will be live streamed, so all who knew and loved her can share in the mass from afar.  You may view the Live Stream Mass at 8:30 AM by  visiting  www.sttimothycc.com  for details.  There will be a memorial mass and celebration of Pat’s life in Breezy Pt., NY this summer, details to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to St. Judes Hospital for Children (https://www.stjude.org/