Marcia A. Williams, 76, of North Port, passed away peacefully on July 18 after a battle with cancer. In addition to her parents, William and Helen, she was preceded by her beloved brother, Lee. She is survived by sister-in-law Cindy Williams of Venice, as well as her niece Amy Hughart (Bradford) of Philadelphia, PA, and their adult children Dean and Olivia; nephew Matthew (Cindy) of Niskayuna, NY; and niece Jeanne, of Salt Lake City, UT.

Raised in Pittsburgh, PA, Marcia was an avid tennis player and enthusiast from high school through her years at Russell Sage College in Troy, NY, where she double majored in Biology and Chemistry. After graduation, she worked for a number of years as a biologist at the Shriver Center in Boston. Following that, she was a clinical software development manager and CSM for Optimed and then MEDecision in the Boston area before retiring and relocating to Florida.

In 2015, her passion for technology led her to join the Friends of Shannon Staub Public Library to fundraise and build a new public library alongside the new Suncoast Technical College and conference center in North Port. She dedicated enormous time, energy, and volunteer hours to seeing the library come to fruition and to ensuring its continued success with special events, fundraisers, and other community outreach. FOSSPL and its growing base of donors remain committed to supporting underfunded programs and gaps in technology for the library and community. For her dedication and community service, Marcia was recognized with a VEN Woman of the Year Award in 2016 by SunCoast Media.

Marcia has been a long-time supporter of the ASPCA and loved her four-legged friends. She doted on her beloved rescue dog Cassie and lovingly cared for neighbors' dogs when they went on vacation. She kept dog treats and toys at the ready for any who came to visit. Marcia was also a dedicated and active board member of the North Port Democratic Club and was passionate about advancing democratic ideals and positive change. She was also a lifelong fan of the New England Patriots.

Marcia will be remembered for her kind heart, passion for causes, and her humble and quiet way. We will miss her. A celebration of her life will be held this fall, date to be determined.  In the meantime, please consider giving in her name to one or both of her favorite causes, the Friends of Shannon Staub Public Library, P.O. Box 7403, North Port, Florida, 34290 and at https://www.friendsofsspl.org/ or the ASPCA at https://www.aspca.org/