Mary Ann Williams, 71, of Poughkeepsie, died peacefully at home surrounded by loving family members on Saturday, April 30. Born in Manhattan on January 23, 1945, she delighted in sharing that her birth date is 12345. She was the first child of the late John and Helen (Begley) Duane. She moved to Dutchess County in 1970, and relocated to Michigan in 1980. In 1985, she returned to her beloved Dutchess County.

In 1981, she began a thirty-five-year career in real estate, but to label her as a "broker" greatly underestimates her passion for her work and for the families she helped to find homes – many became dear friends. Those who knew Mary Ann understand the depth of our loss. She always sought to make those around her feel better about themselves, often through laughter.

In addition to her great love for her family, she was a fierce advocate for issues of social justice.  She will be greatly missed by her family and the scores of friends she kept near to her heart.

She is survived by her three children and their spouses: Maryann Williams and Kathleen Garrison of Poughkeepsie, NY; Claudia and Ronald Smith of Tampa, FL; and Mark and Michele Williams of St. John's, FL. Other family members include grandchildren Jessica, Justin, Kaleb, and Cameron Smith; Alexa, Aidan, Luke, Brendan, and Declan Williams; grand dog and daily companion, Fozzie; siblings Patricia Lichtenberg, Ellen Murphy, Michael Duane, and Ann Byrne; and her five nieces and four nephews.

A memorial service and celebration of her amazing life will be held (quite appropriately) on Mothers' Day, Sunday, May 8 at 2 p.m. at the FCCUCC at 269 Mill Street, Poughkeepsie, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in care of Mary Ann Williams to First Congregational Church United Church of Christ at 269 Mill Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601, www.opentogod.org , or Hudson Valley Hospice Foundation, 374 Violet Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601, www.hvhospice.org Arrangements are entrusted to Joseph J. Darrow Sr. Funeral Home Inc. 39 So Hamilton St. Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 845-452-1840. To send online condolences please visit www.darrowfuneralhome.org