Obituary of Victoria Williams

Victoria “Vicky” Williams, 70 of East Haven, passed away at Yale New Haven Hospital on Tuesday, February 11th. Victoria was born in New Haven on Dec. 22, 1943 and was a lifelong resident of Morgan Pt., East Haven. She was predeceased by parents, Armando & Lucia “Mary Lou” (Pecoraro) Williams and sister, Ersilia Williams, also of Morgan Point and brother, Armand Williams of Branford. Victoria graduated from East Haven High School in 1961 and received her B.A. Degree from Southern Connecticut State College. She continued her education at the Gateway School where she received highest honors in their counseling program and was elected to Who's Who in American Colleges (2001/2002). In 1964, Victoria gained recognition as the first woman to solo a plane out of Tweed New Haven Airport within the same day of training. This feat was well publicized and for many years her picture and article hung at Tweed. She was also an avid lover of animals and did many rescues over the years. In addition to her counseling, she worked in the family business, at the time Armand's Custom Cleaners in Branford and also ran a snack bar at her brother's Marina, Pier 66, Branford. She leaves behind her loving companion of 29 years, Bill Roche, devoted step-sons, Kevin Roche (Lynn) of North Port, Fla., Stephen Roche, U.S. Military, So. Korea (Beth), 6 loving grandchildren, her sister, Vivian Williams Clemens (Barry) of Cleveland, OH, many cherished nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and a family of loving cousins and friends who have devoted themselves to her throughout her eight year battle with cancer. Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 16, 2014 from 3 P.M. to 7 P.M. at the Clancy Funeral Home, 43 Kirkham Ave., East Haven. Friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Monday at 11:00 A.M. in St. Mary Church, 731 Main St., Branford, CT with committal to follow at Branford Center Cemetery. Donations can be made in Victoria's name to The CT Food Bank, 150 Bradley Ave., East Haven CT 06512 or Tails from the City, P.O. Box 93514, Cleveland, OH 44101.