UA art history professor dies at 69

Jane Welch Williams, a 69-year-old historian of medieval art and architecture, was known in the academic world for her innovative interpretations of the stained glass windows at the Chartres Cathedral in France.

To her students and co-workers, Williams was "a very young 69 - she was fun-loving and very curious," said Julie Plax, a professor of art history and Williams' colleague.

"She had an enormous amount of energy," Plax said. "She loved giving parties and loved having a good time - she wanted other people to have as good a time as she was having."

Williams, who was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor in October 1996, became a University of Arizona faculty member in 1988.

She received her master's and doctoral degrees from the University of California at Los Angeles, and was a professor at the University of Chicago and University of Illinois before teaching at the UA.

She took a medical leave of absence in 1996, but before she was diagnosed with the tumor, she taught a wide variety of UA art history courses.

"I'll always remember her infectious enthusiasm," said Sharon Parker, a graduate student in art history.

"She loved her work and communicated that to the people around her," Parker said. "She taught me to love what you're doing and do it well."

Williams' specialty was French Gothic art. In that area she published many papers and a book, Bread, Wine and Money: The Trade Windows at Chartres Cathedral.

Plax said everyone in the Art History Department will miss Williams and the enthusiasm she brought to every project.

"She was an avid fisherwoman - she even found places around here when she couldn't get to the open sea," Plax said.

Parker said Williams knew she was living with a death sentence, but that it never stopped her from sharing her excitement about living with others.

"She really demonstrated how to persevere in the face of personal adversity," Parker said. "I think that's a lesson for all of us - you need to complete the work you've set out for yourself."

Williams is survived by her companion Roy Williams, four children and eight grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held May 17 at 1:30 p.m. in the UA Center for Creative Photography Auditorium.