Obituary of Harriet Beatrice Williams

Harriet Beatrice Frick Hesse Williams, age 96, of Liverpool, NY passed away of Covid-19 on December 19, 2020.  Harriet was the daughter of Harry and Eva Randall Frick of Ogdensburg, NY.  She was born in Montreal, QC, Canada on May 23, 1924.  In the early 1930s, she moved with her family to Ogdensburg, NY where she attended local schools and the local Congregational Church. She married her teenage sweetheart Tracy L. Hesse, on July 22, 1943 in Ogdensburg, during Tracy’s service in WWII.  She and Tracy adopted a daughter, Sandra.  After less than 10 years of marriage, Tracy died on June 6, 1952.  

Harriet held various jobs over her lifetime, from a hand model, to a factory worker at Kimberly-Clark, to owning her own restaurant with Tracy, and she retired as a nurses’ aide for the Rome State Hospital.  Harriet lived a large part of her working life in Wampsville, NY.  

On December 31, 1953 she married Raymond Williams.  Harriet enjoyed cooking, baking and hosting dinner parties.  Harriet was the catalyst to get the extended family together for dinners, holidays, and family reunions.  Harriet liked crafting and making handmade items, oftentimes making things for others.  She was proficient at crocheting, knitting, and sewing.  Upon her and her husband’s retirement, they moved to Sylvan Beach, NY. Avid travelers in their motorhome, Harriet and Raymond spent many winters in Florida.  Raymond passed away on January 14, 2001.   

Harriet moved to Jamesville, NY to the Nottingham Independent Living Apartments approximately a dozen years ago where she remained quite active with swimming and other social activities.  Late in 2019, Harriet fell ill, broke her hip and moved to Elderwood Nursing Home in Liverpool, NY.  She was quite active in the activities there as well, even as her mobility was restricted.  Harriet made friends with many staff members, volunteers, and residents at the Nottingham and Elderwood.   

Harriet always had a fun laugh, was very social, and cared deeply for others.  Her infectious laughter would brighten a room and Harriet was quick to turn strangers into new friends.  She was known as a bit of a prankster and loved bringing a smile to those around her.  

Harriet has one surviving sibling, Randall Frick of St John, US Virgin Islands and his wife Anne. Harriet's remaining siblings Henry, Gerald, and Stanley all predeceased her, as did her daughter Sandra Hesse Sgroi.  Harriet is survived by several grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; a stepson, Arthur, and stepdaughter, Barbara; and many longtime friends.  She has always had a special place in her heart for her family and friends, and she loved them dearly. 

A graveside service will be held in Ogdensburg Cemetery once it's safe to do so – most likely in early summer.  Harriet will be buried between Raymond and Tracy, as she wished, where she will forever be, in her words, “the rose between two thorns”. The Hollis Funeral Home, of Syracuse, NY, website will be updated with the date, once confirmed. 

Harriet always loved animals and children.  She was frequently found sneaking a treat to a pet or buying a gadget for a child.  If you would like to make a donation in Harriet's name, please select a charity of your choice that helps children or pets.  She would be honored.