Doris D. Williams' Obituary
With heavy hearts but cherished memories, we announce the peaceful passing of Doris D. (Davignon) Williams, 99, of Laconia, NH, on May 4, 2026, at St. Francis Rehabilitation and Nursing Center.
Born in Lawrence, Doris was the beloved daughter of the late Lucien and Anita (Houle) Davignon. She carried the warmth and strength of her family roots throughout her life. Doris attended Methuen Public Schools and was a graduate of St. Theresa’s High School. She later continued her education by taking several college courses.
For many years, Doris and her husband, Jim, proudly owned and operated Record Lane Inc. in Lowell, dedicating their hearts and hard work to the business. Over the course of 61 years, Record Lane served communities in Lowell, Haverhill, and Lawrence. Doris worked alongside her husband for 42 years until his passing in 1991, after which she continued operating the business for several more years.
Beyond her work, Doris found great joy in community service and civic involvement. She was an active member of the Rotary Club of Lowell, where she served on the Board of Directors and as Sergeant-at-Arms. Together with her late husband, she attended 20 Rotary International Conventions. Doris also served as President of the Credit Women’s Business Club in Lowell and was a proud member of the Paul Harris Fellow, Methuen Senior Center, Salem Senior Center, St. Claire League, and the Rainbow Club of Methuen.
In recognition of her dedication and service, Doris received a plaque in 2008 honoring her many years of commitment to Rotary and the Greater Lowell community, exemplifying the principle of “Service Above Self.” In 2009, she was further honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Doris embraced life with enthusiasm and creativity. She adored line dancing, sewing, crafts, and painting. Most of all, she cherished time spent with her family, laughing together, sharing stories, and creating traditions. She lived with grace, generosity, and an open heart. May her memory be a blessing and a comfort to all who knew and loved her.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, James E. Williams; and her son, James E. Williams III; brother, Normand Davignon; and life partner for over 30 years, Raymond Stone.
Doris is survived by her daughter-in-law, Debora Perry; brother, Ronald J. Davignon; grandchildren, Hope Perry and William Perry; great-grandchildren, Robert, Starr, Vivienne, Gabrial, and Savannah; nieces and nephews, Michael Davignon, Michelle Demeris, Maria Smith, Randy Davignon, and Sherrie Davignon. She also leaves behind many cherished great nieces, great nephews, extended family, and friends whose lives she touched so profoundly.
Family and friends are invited to gather and celebrate Doris’s life during visiting hours on Monday, May 11, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the Methuen Family Funeral Home, 233 Lawrence Street, Methuen, MA 01844. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, May 11, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. in St. Monica’s Church, 212 Lawrence Street, Methuen. Burial will follow at Ridgewood Cemetery, 177 Salem Street in North Andover, MA. . In lieu of flowers, donations in Doris’s memory may be made to the Methuen Senior Center, 77 Lowell Street, Methuen, MA 01844 or Lowell Rotary Club ,PO Box 219, Lowell MA 01853. To share memories, offer words of comfort, or send an online condolence, please visit www.methuenfh.com. Methuen Family Funeral Home is honored to serve the Williams family.
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