Former Orinda Historical Society (OHS) President (2004-2015), Lucy Ann Hupp Williams, put OHS on the map when she pulled in $50,000 worth of gifts and grants to enable the Society to move into their dedicated museum next to The Orinda Association office.
It is with great sadness that the Orinda Historical Society (OHS) announces the passing of one of their much-loved former presidents, Lucy Ann Hupp Williams.
Lucy died on Jan. 9, age 84, after a long illness. Born on March 28, 1939, she spent her first eight years in Downers Grove, IL, but by the time she turned eight, it was obvious that the Midwest winters were too harsh for this frail child. When her doctors ordered the family to relocate to warmer climes, they decided there was no better place to restore one’s health than Orinda.
Sadly, in 1953, Lucy fell victim to the polio epidemic that was sweeping the country, and instead of throwing herself into her freshman year of Acalanes High School, she found herself confined to an iron lung. But her indomitable spirit prevailed, and once released from the hospital Lucy directed her rehabilitation to riding her beloved horse, Don Quixote, all over Orinda.
She attended UC Berkeley and, at the age of 20, married Rolfe “Buz” Williams, whom she had met at the Dramateurs (Town Hall Theatre Company of Lafayette). They moved to Foster City in 1969, where they raised their children, Ray, Kathy and Mike.
Lucy later worked at Stanford University for 19 years, but tragedy struck again when, in 1989, she was hit by a truck and forced to retire. Thus began a second career in volunteerism. In 2003 she was inducted into the San Mateo High School Hall of Fame and, in 2009, the San Mateo County Women’s Hall of Fame.
Meanwhile in Orinda, Lucy took over as President of the Orinda Historical Society, where she remained from 2004 to 2015. During her time there, she worked tirelessly to promote the Society and bring in a constant variety of speakers for OHS holiday dinners and events.
In 2008, Lucy was named Volunteer of the Year after setting up the Orinda History Museum with $50,000 in grants, gifts and endowments. In June 2011, she was awarded the Individual Merit Award from the Conference of California Historical Societies, and shortly before retirement, Lucy was awarded a Certificate of Recognition by Orinda City Council for her outstanding contribution to OHS.
A Memorial and Celebration of Life is on May 18 in San Mateo. The family also plans to arrange a small celebration at the Orinda Community Church Garden Wall later this year, when Lucy will be laid to rest alongside her parents.
The Orinda Historical Society owes Lucy a great debt of gratitude for all her hard work and passion.
