Cover for Anne Marie Williams's Obituary

IN LOVING MEMORY OF

Anne Marie

Anne Marie Williams Profile Photo

Williams

June 13, 2026

Funeral Services

Mass

June
25

St. John The Apostle Roman Catholic Church

101 Oakcrest Manor Dr NE, Leesburg, VA 20176

Starts at 10:00 am (Eastern time)

Interment

June
25

St. John the Apostle Catholic Cemetery

101 Oakcrest Manor Drive Northeast, Leesburg, VA 20176

Starts at 10:00 am (Eastern time)

Obituary

Anne Marie Williams (née Horkan), 87, of Leesburg, Virginia, passed away peacefully at her home on June 13, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on February 6, 1939, in Charlestown, County Mayo, Ireland, Anne was the fourth of six children born to John ("Johnny") and Margaret ("Maggie") Horkan (née Durkan). She grew up in the village of Cashel and attended Glann National School and Ballaghadereen Technical School.

Life on the family farm in Cashel taught Anne the value of hard work, the beauty of unconditional love, the joy of singing Irish music, the importance of celebrating everyday life with family and neighbors, and the enduring strength of family bonds. Along with her deep faith, these values became guiding principles throughout her life.

In 1958, at the age of 18, Anne followed her three older sisters to America and made Philadelphia her home. It was there that she met the love of her life, Tommy Williams, at an Irish dance at the Emerald Bar. Seated across the table from him, she thought he was so handsome and someone she could trust. Later that evening, she playfully linked arms with him and declared, "We're going on our funnymoon." That moment marked the beginning of a remarkable 65-year love story.

Anne and Tommy married in 1963 and together raised four children. Motherhood was one of Anne's greatest joys. She showed up for everything, gave endlessly of herself, and somehow made it all look effortless. Every evening, there was dinner on the table—not because it was easy, but because she believed family gathering together mattered. She cooked with love and had a gift for turning ordinary days into celebrations.

From Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Melbourne, Florida, to Poughkeepsie, New York, to Reston, Virginia, to Austin, Texas and finally Leesburg, Virginia, Anne created homes that reflected the very best of Irish hospitality. The door was always open, there was always room for one more at the table, and no gathering was complete without laughter, storytelling, and a spirited session of Irish songs. People didn't simply visit Anne's home—they belonged there.

Anne embodied selfless and unconditional love during the final 12 years of Tommy's life. As his memory faded, she remained his anchor, meeting each day with patience, kindness, and unwavering devotion. It was not easy, but she never made it about herself. Her love never wavered. Even in the most difficult moments, she held his hand, whispered familiar words, sang and danced with him, and reminded him that he was deeply loved and never alone. She showed us what it truly means to keep a promise, to love in sickness and in health, and to remain fully present—with faithfulness, grace, and a heart wide open.

Anne enjoyed bowling, tennis, and playing cards with friends and family. She also had a passion for travel and explored more than 14 international cities throughout her life. She gave generously of her time as a member of The Ladies Board of Inova Loudoun Hospital, a longstanding volunteer organization that operates the Riverside Gift Shop, the Twice Is Nice thrift shop, and annual fundraisers supporting patient care programs and nursing scholarships.

Anne is survived by her children: Larry Williams of Falls Church, Virginia; Kevin (Robin) Williams of Vienna, Virginia; Kathleen Williams of Springfield, Pennsylvania; and Stephen Williams of Leesburg, Virginia. She is also survived by her grandchildren, McKenzie (Andy) Heindel, Joseph ("Joey") Williams, Kevin Thomas ("Tommy") Williams, Robert ("Bobby") Williams, and Michael Williams; her sister, Bridget Patricia ("Patsy") Bryce (Jim); her brothers- and sisters-in-law, Albert Williams, Diane Schieber, and Elizabeth (William) Schneider; and many cherished nieces and nephews.

Anne was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 61 years, Thomas Albert ("Tommy") Williams; her parents, John ("Johnny") and Margaret ("Maggie") Horkan; and her siblings, Mary ("Bernadette") Moffitt, Margaret Ellen ("Rita") Mullarkey, Patrick ("Paddy") Horkan, and Sean Horkan.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at St. John the Apostle Roman Catholic Church, 101 Oakcrest Manor Drive NE, Leesburg, Virginia.

Interment will follow at St. John the Apostle Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to The Ladies Board of Inova Loudoun Hospital (Lights of Love Program) or that a Catholic Mass be offered for the repose of Anne Williams’ soul through your local parish or by visiting mymassrequest.org.

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