Daphne May Williams

Daphne May Williams, 95, passed away in Salem, OR on November 13, 2019. She was born in Ipswich, Queensland, Australia to John Joseph and Emily Margaret (Wallace) Ronan. She was 1 of 8 children. Daphne attended high school in Ipswich. She was heavily involved in the war efforts as a young woman,  she worked in a factory assembling explosives, and later working in an aircraft repair facility checking for cracks on aircraft engine parts during the repair process.  While living in Australia she met her future husband, Edwin Hedlund, who was in the Navy. In March of 1947, she immigrated to the United States and started her life here with Edwin – moving several  times they ended up in California with Edwin later passing from her life. She met Lawrence Williams and they were married and lived in Texas before returning to California in 1972. Daphne and Lawrence had a wonderful life together. They enjoyed traveling the United States, visiting  Grand Kids and doing volunteer work, and Lawrence was even teaching Daphne to fly his airplane! Lawrence passed in 1986, and Daphne never remarried. Daphne worked as a Jewelry Purchaser for Sav-On until she retired. She was active in many organizations including The Rebecca’s, and Royal Neighbor's,  one of her happiest accomplishments was managing “Brownbag”, which helped to feed the hungry. She was also involved with senior organizations, and after the passing of her husband she took many group trips abroad. Daphne is described as a social, outgoing, active and dedicated woman. She could also be fierce and tenacious, and every now and then her “Momma Bear” side came out. She was a proud, patriotic American who loved the United States flag. Daphne was preceded in death by her parents, husband and siblings. She is survived by her daughter, Diane Warren (husband, David); grandchildren, Teresa, Tammy, Jeffrey and Andrew; and great grandchildren, Tristan, Rowan, Benjamin, Helen, Ruby and Levi. She will be greatly missed. At her request, no services will be held. She will be laid to rest with her husband at Riverside National Cemetery in California.