Gloria Williams, 83

GAINSVILLE, FLA. – Gloria (Kolikoff) Williams passed away on May 19 in Gainesville. Gloria was born in Boston, on Jan. 19, 1934, grew up in Brookline, Massachusetts, with her sister June Kolikoff, (Shrewsbury, Massachusetts) and is the daughter of Max Kolikoff and Rose (Brecher) Kolikoff.

She is survived by her daughters, Michele Sugrue of Gainesville and Janice Totten of Riverside and grandchildren, ENS Jonathan Hodgson, US NAVY-Rota, Spain; Brooke (Hodgson) Reeves, Attleboro, Massachusetts; Andrew Sugrue, Cambridge, Massachusetts; and Rebecca Sugrue, Cambridge.

Gloria has three beautiful great-grandchildren, Tessa Hodgson, Mackenzie Reeves and Ari Hodgson and nephew Jeffrey Shaffer, and nieces, Sena (Shaffer) Griggs and the late Lisa (Shaffer) Carlson.

Gloria graduated from Brookline High School in 1951 and went on to pursue a career in clinical laboratory science.  In 1956, she moved to Providence and became an active member of Temple Beth-El. She earned her graduate degree in clinical laboratory management and was a dedicated and well-respected laboratory manager at Women’s and Infants Hospital (formerly Providence Lying-In Hospital), Jordan Hospital and Newport Hospital.  

During her career, Gloria served as an inspirational mentor and educator, and received numerous awards in recognition of her service and accomplishments.  During her retirement, Gloria continued to be actively engaged in the Rhode Island community through her volunteer work at AARP, Rhode Island Division of Elderly Affairs, and Brown University Lifelong Learning Collaborative.

 In 2013 she moved to Gainesville, where she enjoyed time with family and well-deserved relaxation. Gloria will be remembered by family, friends and colleagues as a caring, strong, independent woman who served as a role model both in her career and personal life.  She was a true matriarch for her family, providing guidance, wisdom and endless love.  A memorial service is planned for a future date. 

Contributions can be made to either Family Promise of Gainesville, a shelter for working families formerly known as the Interfaith Hospitality Network, familypromisegvl.org or Temple Shir Shalom 3855 NW 8th Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32605, shirshalom.net.