Christine Bauer Williamson

Christine “Christi” Bauer Williamson, a devoted mother and grandmother, beloved sister, gifted teacher, and loyal friend, passed away peacefully on August 3, 2025 at the age of 83 with her son by her side. Born on November 9, 1941, Christi’s life was defined by her fierce love for family, her dedication to education, and her quiet but unwavering generosity toward everyone whose lives she touched.

She was a long time resident of Sudbury, MA. Born on Long Island, NY, she grew up in Ladysmith, WI as the eldest of five. Following in her mother's footsteps, she attended Wellesley College, graduating in 1963 with a Bachelors of Arts Degree (B.A.) in Economics. While at Wellesley, she met her future husband, Richard Cardinal Williamson, also a Wisconsin native. Christi loved her experience at Wellesley for the intellectual environment and her lifelong friendships. Her eldest, Kari, attended Wellesley as a third generation legacy. As an alumna, Christi utilized her economics and mathematical skills by volunteering as the Treasurer of the Wellesley College Alumni Class of 1963 and did so for decades. Her meticulous mind and steady leadership left a mark on the Wellesley community she cherished so deeply.

Christi's career was as a math educator. She earned her Masters of Education (M.Ed.) in Mathematics at Framingham State University. An extraordinary middle school and high school math teacher and tutor, Christi devoted countless hours to helping hundreds of students develop their confidence in mathematics. She believed that every student could succeed with patience, encouragement, and the right guidance — and she gave each of them the gift of her time, wisdom, and belief in their abilities. Many of her students carried her lessons not only through school but throughout life.

Christi’s greatest joy was her family. She and Richard raised four wonderful children — Kari, Meagan, Heidi, and Ryan — who were the loves of her life. Whether it was a figure skating performance, orchestra concert, equestrian event, or basketball game, she was always there, supporting them as their biggest cheerleader. It was clear to them how proud she was of their accomplishments and their personal growth. She encouraged kindness and consideration for others, while she applauded the characteristics which made her children special and unique as individuals. She also had a lifelong affection for Siamese cats, raising many over the years, with some of the offspring becoming the pets of her adult children.

She was an avid tennis player, swimmer, and skier. She and her husband skied all over the northeastern US and once they started having children, taught them as soon as they could walk. They quickly became adept with both downhill and cross country skiing, enjoying it together as a family.

After being diagnosed with idiopathic tracheal stenosis and having surgery in 2004, she became a board member of the Tracheal Stenosis Foundation and volunteered for the Tracheal Stenosis Health Group. She hosted national and international patients at her Sudbury home, helping to drive them to appointments and surgeries with the world-renowned thoracic surgery team at Mass General Hospital in Boston.

Beyond her devotion to family and teaching, Christi had a lifelong love and passion for the card game bridge. She played religiously — both online and in person — making countless lifelong friends. A forum contributor to the Skybridge International Club, she particularly enjoyed playing bridge with the international community. For her, bridge was more than a game; it was a joyful blend of strategy, camaraderie, and connection.

When she was blessed with grandchildren, she developed a deep bond with them, getting to know their personalities and what delighted and inspired them, with each one holding a special place in her heart.

Christi’s life was a beautiful blend of intellect, kindness, and devotion. She was the one who showed up, the one who remembered, the one who made sure everyone felt seen and valued. She leaves behind not just memories, but lessons in love, perseverance, and generosity that will endure for generations.

Christi was predeceased by her parents, William B. A. J. Bauer and Augusta Ahrens Bauer. She is survived by her brothers Bill Bauer, Mark Bauer, and Tim Bauer; her sister Catherine Bauer; her children Kari Boucher and her husband Brian of West Chester, PA, Meagan Whelihan and her husband Dave of Framingham, MA, Heidi Williamson of Washington, DC, and Ryan Williamson and his wife Catherine of Irvine, CA. She was the cherished grandmother of Brady, Henry, Chloe, Jeremy, Max, Molly, and Pierce. Christi also leaves behind a legacy of love that will live on in every member of her family. Her family takes comfort in knowing that the love she poured into this world will never fade.

Service Details:
Saturday, November 8, 2025 at 11:00am. Sudbury United Methodist Church on 251 Old Sudbury Road in Sudbury, MA.

Donations can be made to the Wellesley College Mathematics Department https://www.wellesley.edu/giving. Under "Designation" select "Other".