Andrea Eldredge Williams

Andrea Eldredge Williams, age 54, of Conway, South Carolina, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at her home.

Andrea was born on November 13, 1970, in Amsterdam, New York, the daughter of Sandra Lee Eldredge, and the late Richard “Dick” Carl Eldredge. Andrea grew up in Fort Plain, NY, and was baptized at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Canajoharie, NY.

In 1980, the Eldredge family moved to Ilion, NY, where Andrea and her three sisters attended Ilion High School. During her youth, she was active in the Organization of Triangles, Inc., serving as a Beloved Queen of Marigold Triangle #109 and Junior Advisor of the Herkimer District. She was also a Sweetheart in the Order of DeMolay. 

Through her involvement in Triangle and DeMolay, Andrea met her future husband, William “Bill” Williams, at a Masonic event in 1988 and were married on May 1, 1993, in Ilion.

Andrea earned an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Herkimer County Community College in 1991, a Bachelor’s degree from SUNY Oneonta in 1992, and later a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science with a concentration in School Media from Syracuse University in 2006.  

In 1994, Andrea and Bill moved to Richmond, Virginia and began their careers. In 1998, they started their family by having a son, Zachary and in 2000, a daughter, Megan. 

Upon returning to New York State in 2002, Andrea switched from being a classroom teacher to a librarian and started working as a school librarian at the House of the Good Shepherd in Utica, NY.

In 2006, Andrea joined the Ballston Spa Central School District as the librarian at Wood Road Elementary School. Over the eleven years that she spent at Wood Road, Andrea educated and inspired countless students, including her own children. As her daughter fondly recalled, Andrea taught her and other students that “the number one rule of research is staying organized.” In 2017, Andrea transferred to Ballston Spa High School, continuing her work as a librarian. She retired in 2021 after a fulfilling career spanning nearly two decades in the New York Education System.

After retiring from their careers, Andrea and Bill relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada, where they spent three years exploring where they might want to settle long-term for retirement. While in Las Vegas, Andrea continued her passion for education by working as a school librarian at Fong Elementary School.

In 2024, Andrea and Bill decided to relocate once again. This time to Conway, South Carolina where they found their forever home. In Conway, Andrea worked as a substitute teacher for the Conway Central School District. She truly enjoyed living in Conway, especially visiting the farmers market on Saturdays, taking peaceful walks along the river, spending time with Bill in their backyard with the pool, and often planning their next grand adventure or their next home project.

Andrea was deeply involved in her children’s lives, creating countless magical memories and meaningful moments. She truly loved her family and spent much of her time during their childhoods traveling to baseball and softball games, swim meets, and DeMolay and Triangle events. In addition to supporting her children’s interests, Andrea was an active member of the Order of the Eastern Star, belonging to Evening Star Valley Chapter #82 and Saratoga Chapter #131. In addition to serving as Matron of Saratoga Chapter, she proudly served as District Deputy Grand Matron of the Saratoga District in 2020.

Andrea is survived by her loving husband, Bill; her son, Zachary, and daughter-in-law, Camille Williams; her daughter, Megan, and son-in-law, Andrew Begley, who are expecting a baby girl—Andrea’s first grandchild—later this year; her mother, Sandra Eldredge; her sisters, Jennifer Eldredge, Colleen Eldredge, and Marcia Lynch and her husband, Paul; her father-in-law and mother-in-law William and Sharon Williams, Sr.; and her brother-in-law, Kevin Williams, and his wife, Amanda. She also leaves behind her beloved nieces and nephews: Amanda Marro Pendergrass, Alexander Marro, Payton Lynch, Lincoln Lynch, Tyler Williams, Jazmine English, and Jaron English; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and cherished friends.

She was predeceased by her father, Richard Eldredge; her beloved pets, Jena and Belle; her uncle, Dennis Eldredge; and her cousins, Christy Eldredge and Victoria Eldredge Harnish.

Services will be held at 2 PM on Friday, August 22nd, at the First Presbyterian Church of Ilion, NY. Prior to the funeral service, Evening Star Valley Chapter will perform the Order of the Eastern Star memorial service. 

A reception will take place at the Knights of Columbus immediately after the services. Anyone wishing to assist with the refreshments for the reception should sign up using the link on the Service Information page.

To share a memory of Andrea or to leave a message for her family, please visit the Guestbook on this memorial site.

In lieu of flowers, as an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to the Library Innovation Fund at Syracuse University's School of Information Studies or your local library.