Fae N. Williamson

Fae Norine (Campion) Williamson, age 101 of Montello, WI, passed away on Thursday, July 9, 2026, in the home where she lived since 1950. Mom was a kind, gentle, humble, and peaceful lady, and leaves behind a legacy of peace.

Mom was born at home on the Campion homestead, Montello on June 7, 1925. She was the youngest of eight children to Charles Owen and Margaret “Maggie” Ann (Cotter) Campion. Mom grew up on the farm that her grandfather, Michael Campion, from Parish of Grogan, Queen’s County, Ireland, purchased in 1854 after arriving in America in 1850. She learned growing up to be genuinely kind, having fun playing in her corn crib playhouse, gathering eggs, being with her parents, playing with her brothers and sisters, and every summer, picking blueberries was a family event.

On December 7, 1941, studying by a kerosine lamp, she heard on her dad’s battery radio, President Franklin D. Roosevelt announcing Pearl Harbor had been bombed. Life changed for the family as two of her brothers served during WWII. Mom shared in the care of her mother after a stroke, until she passed away in 1943.

Graduating from Montello High School, she sought employment at Brakebush Brothers, Westfield, breaking eggs to make powered eggs for the servicemen and worked for a brief time at the Marquette County Courthouse, Montello. Her last job was at John Williamson Fruit and Vegetable Farms.

On February 24, 1950, she married John A. Williamson, and moved to another farm five miles south. They had a daughter, Jean Mary, raised John’s children, Duane Earl, and Juanita Ann, and Fae’s daughter, Gertrude “Trudy” Blanche. Together, they managed and worked on their home-grown fruits and vegetables, and trucking farms known as Williamson Farms, and raised their family. As their business grew, travel became an intricate part of their family, farming, education, and relaxation. They traveled to many states and before retirement, mom and dad relaxed in Cedar Key, Florida, which became their winter getaway, making lifelong friendships. John passed away in 1998.

Mom enjoyed garage sales, flower gardening, sent cards out for every occasion, made the best custard corn, very few could beat her at scrabble, as she was a scrabble “Whiz,” and her “Welcome” mat was always out for anyone to come and visit. She was an avid Green Bay Packers fan who never missed a game while enjoying a bowl of popcorn and a Coke. Mom was blessed with lots of grandchildren and spent time with them, taking them to events, traveling, and overnight visits. She had many happy memories.

Mom was a longtime member of Buffalo Community Bible Church where she accepted Jesus Christ as her personal savior on May 3, 1952, in a revival by Evangelist George Long. She taught Sunday school, helped with Vacation Bible School, ladies bible studies, and helped in other capacities of the church. Mom attended worship services every Sunday until the last month before her death. Her faith in the Lord brought her where she is today, a faithful servant. She loved God, lived simply, cared deeply, and loved generously.

Mom was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brothers, Byron, Maurice, Spencer, and Max; sisters, Selena Campion, Ruth Atkinson, and Blanche Wallace; many nieces and nephews; son, Duane Williamson, daughters, Juanita Williamson McDowell, and Jean Mary Williamson and son-in-law, Wayne B. Grinnell.

Fae is survived by her daughter, Gertrude “Trudy” Grinnell, Madison and son-in-law, Tom McDowell, Montello; seven grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren and 11 great great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Mom leaves behind a legacy of great family love.

A celebration of Fae’s life will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Buffalo Community Bible Church, W4090 14th Road, Montello. Pastor Steve Tinsley will preside and burial will follow at Underhill Cemetery, Town of Packwaukee. Visitation will be held on Saturday from 9:00 to 10:45 a.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the family to be given to several organizations.

Crawford Funeral and Cremation Service of Montello and Oxford is honored to be serving the family. www.CrawfordFH.com

Crawford Funeral and Cremation Service of Montello and Oxford is honored to be serving the family. www.CrawfordFH.com