Eleanor Ann Williams

A midwife was at the Ohlman's homestead to bring Eleanor into the world on August 2, 1918. Eleanor was the second child of Ollie and Anna (Horrigan) Ohlman. She grew up on the family farm with two sisters (Mary Frances Bechtel and Florence O'Reilly who are now both deceased) and two brothers (Lawrence Ohlman - deceased and Raymond (Toni) Ohlman who resides in Ft. Wayne, Indiana.) The Ohlman Farm on Hill Avenue is still in operation today. Eleanor graduated from Libbey High School in 1936. She married her high school sweetheart, James Williams at St. Charles Church on October 8, 1938; then went from her family's farm on Hill Avenue, west of Byrne Road to the Williams’ farm on Hill Avenue, east of Byrne Road to begin her married life. Sadly, Eleanor's husband Jim died suddenly in August of 1973. Her 35 years of marriage produced eight children: Ed (Jacquelyn), Gunter, TX; Jeanne (Jerry) Ryan, Holly Lake Ranch, TX; Ron (Betty), Holly Lake Ranch, TX; John (Tina), Toledo, OH; Jim (Rose), Grand Rapids, MI; Gary (Linda), Holland, OH; Dan (Nancy), Perrysburg, OH; Allan (Beth), New York, NY. Eleanor's children made her very proud over the years and blessed her with 23 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren. All of whom survive her. Raising a family of eight children prepared Eleanor for her second career as a Pastry Chef Extraordinaire. She was the queen of cake decorating long before it was fashionable. Her beautiful sugar art won her many awards. Yet, Eleanor preferred the "real food" part of catering and ran her own business for several years. When she wasn't catering a wedding she was working for the Gladieux Corporation as the Cafeteria Manager for Mary Manse College. Her culinary talents spread to Haughton Elevator - Director of Food Services; St. Francis de Sales High School - Cafeteria Manager and the University of Toledo - Banquet Manager. Besides being a wonderful wife, mother and chef, Eleanor spent her entire adult life dedicated to the Catholic Church. Eleanor could always find the time to volunteer whether it be at St. Charles School, St. Jude School, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, St. Patrick's of Heatherdowns Church, or Mary Manse College. After her retirement from the culinary world, Eleanor was a "Bright Light" as a volunteer for Heartbeat for 18 years. Her warmth, sense of humor, and dependability provided her with many friends. Those qualities along with her profound and unwavering faith were an example to family and friends alike. Eleanor is also survived by her good friend Charles (Chuck) Hussum, Toledo OH; sister-in-law Geraldine Ohlman, Toledo, OH and brother-in -law Louise (Margie) Williams of Montclair, CA and several very special nieces and nephews. "Mimi though you are in heaven now, your love, your happy heart and your spirit of hospitality is passed to your offspring for generations to come." The family will receive friends at the Coyle Funeral Home, 1770 S. Reynolds Rd. Toledo, OH from 2-8 p.m. on Sunday where a Scripture Serivice will be at7 p.m. The funeral will begin in the mortuary Monday at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the retirement fund of the Sisters at the Ursuline Convent of the Sacred Heart, 4045 Indian Rd. Toledo 43606.

Tributes

Eleanor Ann Williams

August 2, 1918 - February 16, 2012