Lillian (Hazzard) Williams

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She was an adoring grandmother who delighted in spending time with her grandchildren.

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Lillian (Hazzard) Williams, 70, of Gardner, on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, in the comfort of her home surrounded by loved ones.

Born in Woodstock, CT on March 26, 1956, Lillian was the youngest daughter of the late Eugene and Marjorie Hazzard. Lillian spent her early years in Woodstock, CT before moving to Worcester, MA and graduating from Doherty Memorial High School. As a young woman, she met and married her devoted husband, lovingly known as ‘Tony’. They moved to Berkeley, CA where she started her family and had her children before moving back to Worcester, MA, to raise her children and enjoy a fulfilling career at the College of the Holy Cross before retiring.

Lillian was an avid reader who loved to get lost in a Steven King book; she was an adoring grandmother who delighted in spending time with her grandchildren, and she relished taking long walks with her husband. She was a strong, beautiful, empowering woman who spent every day dedicated to her loved ones. Her family and friends will miss her deeply.

Lillian is survived by her beloved husband of 49 years, Anthony Williams; her loving children, Monty Pearson, Anthony Pearson, Adrian Williams, and Marcus Williams; her adored grandchildren, Anthony Pearson, Amari Pearson, Myla Pearson, Catalina Williams, and Micah Williams; her cherished sister, Gail Schuyler; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Sadly, in addition to her parents, Lillian was predeceased by her sister Carol Hazzard.

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She relished taking long walks with her husband.

Though Lillian is no longer with us, we will forever miss her; we will carry her with us in all that we do.

Calling Hours will be held on Friday September 4, 2026, at 2:00 PM followed by the Funeral Service at 3:30 PM at Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01604.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Lillian’s memory to UMass Memorial Health, Cancer Research.