Janice Ardelle (Hoffmann) Williamson

WILLIAMSON JANICE ARDELLE (HOFFMANN) MADISON-Janice Williamson, previously of Mazomanie and Pine Bluff, lately residing in Madison, passed away September 29, 2010 at University Hospital. Jan was born May 13, 1931 at her parents' farm in the Town of Berry, Dane County, the daughter of the late Walter and Agnes (Thompson) Hoffmann. She graduated from Mazomanie High School in 1948. One of her accomplishments there was playing clarinet in the school band. Her career ambition was to be a teacher. With her usual humor, she later remarked that the Lord was protecting her potential students by not permitting her to realize her goal. Jan married Kenneth Dean Williamson on June 11, 1949 and they lived next door to the Williamson family farm on Mineral Point Road in the Town of Cross Plains for more than 35 years. She and Ken were members of West Middleton Lutheran Church. In 1985 they moved to a home on Madison's East Side and later to an apartment on the same side of town. Jan was a stay-at-home mom for many years and was a member of the Riley School Mothers Club. In 1965, with her youngest child approaching school age, she began working as a secretary in the Housekeeping Department at the original University Hospital on University Avenue, in the heart of the UW Campus. She was employed by University Hospitals for her entire career. Before retiring, she held the position of administrative secretary and supervisor in the Ophthalmology Department. After she retired she worked part-time at Walgreens and greatly enjoyed that opportunity to remain active, get out of the house, and make many new friends. Health issues forced her to resign and she regretted that situation for many, many years. Jan liked to be on the go. Traveling, visiting and eating out were three of her joys in life. For quite some time she was part of a weekly ceramics class where she created treasures she shared with family and friends. She especially delighted in all of her grandchildren and great-grandchild and was happiest when she was able to attend one of their athletic functions or musical concerts, or simply chat with them on the telephone. Jan is survived by her husband, Ken, and their children; Larry (Pam) Williamson of Madison, Perry (Susan) Williamson of Hannibal, Missouri, Nancy (David) Spencer of Dale, and Judy Williamson of New Glarus. She is also survived by her grandchildren; Josh, Leslie, Richie, Jim, Ashley, Sam. Maddie and great-grandchild; Isabelle. She is further survived by her brother, Lorren (Lucille) Hoffmann, and five sisters, Rosella Hering, Luella (Ben) Hodgson, Sharon (Harland) Evert, Audrey (Jim) Personett, and Ardis Hoffmann, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother Clarence Hoffman. Funeral services will be held at WEST MIDDLETON LUTHERAN CHURCH, 3763 Pioneer Road, Verona at 4:00 PM on Saturday, October 2, 2010, with the Reverend David Brandfass presiding. Visitation will be on Saturday from 2:30 PM until the time of the service at the church. Visitation: Visitation will be on Saturday from 2:30 PM until the time of the service at the church. Service: Funeral services will be held at WEST MIDDLETON LUTHERAN CHURCH, 3763 Pioneer Road, Verona at 4:00 PM on Saturday, October 2, 2010, with the Reverend David Brandfass presiding