Irene R. Williams

Holden - Irene Ruth (Buckingham) Williams, 80, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 28, 2026, after complications from an extended illness. In her final days, she received visitors, spent time with her friend of more than 60 years, Doris Simpson, and surrounded by her two sons and their immediate families. Even during that time, she remained alert and continued to share the charming humor and sharp wit that those who loved her cherished throughout her life.

Irene was born on November 4, 1945, in Fort Fairfield, Maine, the third of four children born to Maurice and Eunice (Ladner) Buckingham. She grew up in Maine and carried with her throughout life a deep sense of care for others and a strong devotion to family. On July 19, 1963, Irene married the love of her life, Harold D. Williams. Together they built a life grounded in kindness, service, and devotion to family and community. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in 2023, partying with friends and family. Harold predeceased her two years ago.

Irene dedicated much of her life to caring for others. She and Harold served for many years as foster parents to two mentally and physically challenged foster children, both named Christopher, providing them with compassion, stability, and love. Her professional life reflected the same commitment. Beginning in 1976 in Bangor, she served as Activity Director at Phillips-Strickland Senior Housing and later at Jefferson Manor. She continued her work caring for others as a Certified Nursing Assistant at the Elizabeth Levinson Center. Whether through her work, her home, or her community, Irene was always ready to help neighbors, friends, family, and even strangers in need. She found joy in the simple pleasures of life—spending time with her beloved pets, camping and traveling with her family, sightseeing, listening to country music, reading, knitting, and baking. She was also an enthusiastic player of cards, dominoes, and Scrabble, games that often brought laughter and friendly competition to family gatherings. Those who knew Irene will remember her warm smile, quick humor, and generous spirit. Her bright personality inspired many to be kinder and more helpful to others. She was a devoted and supportive wife to Harold, a loving and proud mother to her two sons, and always grateful for any time she could spend with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Irene is survived by her two sons, Harold Williams, Jr. and his wife Rhonda of Bangor, Maine, and David Williams and his wife Madeline of Framingham, Massachusetts. She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren: Jaime and her husband Cody; Brynn and her husband Colby; Grace, Collin, Daniel, Faith, and Felicity. Irene was especially proud of her two energetic great-grandchildren, Beckett and Brooks. She is also survived by her only remaining sibling, her older sister Marsailes Miller of Bangor, Maine; her nephew Don Paul Buckingham and his wife Patricia of Hermon, Maine; and extended family member Joseph Russum of Idaho. Irene also leaves behind many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, neighbors, and dear friends throughout the Bangor area, Aroostook County, and across Maine, as well as in North Carolina, Virginia, Florida, West Virginia, and Texas. In addition to her husband Harold, Irene was predeceased by her parents, Maurice and Eunice (Ladner) Buckingham of Hermon; her brother Merle Buckingham and sister Evenel Milliken, both of Hermon; and her nephew George Miller of Dearborn, Michigan.

A private family interment for Irene and her husband will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery in Brewer, Maine at a later date.

Irene’s life was defined by compassion, generosity, and love for those around her. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched and in the family she cherished so deeply.