Carol Steward Williams, of Newtown, passed away in her home on Wednesday, September 30, 2020. She was 73.

Born in Denver, Colorado as the second daughter to Robert Henthorn Steward and Jane Bjornberg Steward, Karol was raised in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania. She graduated from Marple Newtown High School in 1965 and went on to attend Mansfield State Teachers College
where she was a member of Alpha Sigma Tau Sorority, made lifelong friends, and was known affectionately as "Stewie." Upon graduation, she joined the newly-built Bensalem High School teaching team and went on to earn her Masters' Degree. Karol was very active in the teachers' association and found immense pride in equipping her students with the practical life skills necessary to manage home finances, health and nutrition, and child-development. She was a
passionate mentor who led a counseling group for at-risk youth. Over the more than 35 years she taught, Karol developed personal relationships with students that lasted years after graduation, even seeing some of her own students later join the teaching profession.

A self-made woman with indefatigable work ethic, Karol became a proud resident of Newtown Borough in the early 1980s when she purchased a historic home that would become a joyous restoration hobby and home to her children. She loved antiques, and was known to return from a weekend trip with friends with newly purchased discoveries to fill her already abundantly-appointed home. At the time of her passing, she lived in Newtown for nearly 40
years; while she was proud of her home and professional accomplishments, these did not compare to the love and pride she had for her kids.

Her two children, Courtney and Graeme, were by far her proudest accomplishments. She worked tirelessly to provide for them, loved them endlessly, and imbued them with the qualities that made her an outstanding teacher, friend, and mother - integrity, self-sufficiency, compassion, and humor. She was a constant source of encouragement and sacrificed much, including, at times, her own wellness, to ensure her kids were given opportunities to succeed. She was known to speak her mind, call out hypocrisy, and demonstrate fierce loyalty to those close to her. She never wasted an opportunity to tell her children she loved them and to "drive safe" no matter how brief the ensuing trip. Her sense of humor and delicious food provided a warm welcome to friends and family alike.

Karol enjoyed creating, particularly for her family and loved ones. She was a wonderful cook and baker, and enjoyed needlecrafts such as afghans, crossstitch, and quilting, even teaching the latter for several years. She loved to entertain and prided herself in gathering friends and family together; feeding them and sharing big laughs were her favorite pastimes.

Karol was a dog lover, from her childhood mutt Boots, to the terriers that grew up alongside the family, to her beloved "retirement rescue" dog. She enjoyed spoiling her grand-dogs Franklin and Oskar very much. She also had a fiercely faithful furry companion in Stewie, who was by her side - or more likely on her lap - since adopting him in 2017 until her passing.

Karol was preceded in death by her parents Robert and Jane. She is survived by her daughter, Courtney J. Williams of Washington, D.C.; her son, Dr. Graeme R. Williams (Catherine Clair) of Philadelphia, PA; grandson Campbell R. Williams, of Philadelphia, PA; and sister Mary (Steward) Reeser, of Elizabethtown, PA. She will be enormously missed by many others including beloved family members and cherished friends who will miss the love, laughs, and livelihood Karol brought to their lives. Our hearts and bellies will be a little emptier with her passing.

Karol's virtual memorial service will be held Sunday, October 18, at 1pm EDT, and may be accessed via the following link: https://pennmedicine.bluejeans.com/2675930079 . Her ashes will be spread at her family's convenience in a private ceremony to follow. A private in-person celebration of her life will follow when travel restrictions are lifted.

In lieu of flowers, or gifts, please consider making a donation in Karol's honor to PetConnect Rescue's Senior Dog Program at Dogwood Farm. Checks can be made out to "PetConnect Rescue, Inc." and sent to PetConnect Rescue, Inc., PO Box 60714, Potomac, MD 20859. There is also an option to donate online: https://tinyurl.com/KSWpetconnectSrPgm . Please indicate the donation is for the Senior Dog Program and on Karol's behalf.

Services provided by Swartz Givnish Life Celebration Home, 323 E. Washington Ave., Newtown, PA 18940.