Meredith (Ingalls) Williams

Meredith Ingalls Williams of York passed on to the next realm on Wednesday, December 6th at the age of 81. Locally, Meredith and her beloved husband James owned and operated Wild Willy's Burgers in York for 17 years, where you would often see her behind the counter. 

The daughter of Frances Belle Ehrig and Charles Ingalls, Meredith grew up in Somersworth, NH, where she was salutatorian and Hilltop Echo Sweetheart of her high school class. She later graduated from UNH with a degree in history and taught elementary school in Portland, ME.

In a love story for the ages, Meredith and James met as teens while working at Barbara Dean’s restaurant in Ogunquit, ME.  Their love ran strong for over 60 years. The couple thrived in Pennsylvania while raising four children and enjoying tennis and other activities with good friends. In later years, Merry and Jim were able to travel to Europe and spent many winters on the Caribbean island of Anguilla, which became their second home. There they met new friends and enjoyed many rum punches on the beach under the palms.

Meredith was all about her family and keeping them happy with her masterful cooking, including her legendary macaroni and cheese with cracker crust. She never missed making a meal. Her favorite activities included sunbathing at the beach and mall shopping, especially for Christmas. She also created beautiful flower gardens and was a talented watercolor painter. Meredith was a good-natured partner to James in his adventures, including sailing despite her tendency to get seasick. 

Meredith survived a stroke in 2018, and was lovingly cared for by James for the past several years. They still held hands while watching TV on the sofa.

Along with James, Meredith is survived by her daughter Laurel, and son James and his wife Kris, all of York; son David and his wife Nancy Trethewey of Denver; and daughter Rebecca and her husband Patrick Maxcy of Chicago. She will be missed by her eight grandchildren: Emma, Hunter, Evelyn, Hannah, Alexander, Tate, Brynn and Addie.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of Southern Maine.

A private celebration of life will be held later this year.