Andi Williams

Although Andi ultimately lost her lifelong battle with Cystic Fibrosis, it is the incredible amount of courage and strength she fought it with that is beyond measure.

This same courage and strength is also prominent in her mother, who steadily remained by her daughter’s side throughout all the years of monthly visits to Children’s Hospital in Seattle, all of the ups and downs, the close calls, the pain, the tears and the laughter. This mother and daughter, hand-in-hand, boldly and bravely stepped into each and every new day to face what it had to offer — together, to the very end.

Andi’s mom and dad, wonderful large and extended family, innumerable friends, physicians, nurses, teachers, classmates and acquaintances had, each and every one in their own special way, helped Andi to live far longer than had been expected by her doctors because all had contributed to this beautiful little girl’s desire and ability to live — which were her strongest weapons against this terrible disease.

Children’s Hospital remained consistent in providing Andi with only the very best medical care. The medical team’s knowledge and skills were equaled only by the TLC they provided it with. Unfortunately, however, there is still no cure for Cystic Fibrosis though hopes, prayers and studies continue.

Andi was born in Anchorage, Alaska. Her father, Lance Williams, and brother, Christofer, reside in Arizona. Her grandparents, Dick and Donna Smith, and uncles Pat Smith and Scott Smith live in Friday Harbor, and her uncle Rick Smith lives in Poulsbo. She has three aunts and numerous cousins living in Eagle River, and Wasilla, Alaska, and a great-grandmother who resides in Palmer, Alaska.

Andi was preceded in death in 2002 by her brother, Matt McCutcheon, who she was very close to. In her final days she spoke of him frequently and at times spoke of seeing him nearby, which she found great comfort in.

Andi loved animals, especially kittens and puppies. Her favorite color was purple, she loved watching scary movies with her friends, and listening to the Black-Eyed Peas, Hilary Duff and The Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Her favorite things to eat were spaghetti and macaroni and cheese, and she hated liver and onions (but who doesn’t?).

Her biggest pet peeve was having her bedroom light turned on by anyone for any reason.

What made Andi laugh the most was hearing her mother picking at or nagging at her Daddy.

South Beach was her favorite spot on the island, where she recently had the opportunity to spend time with her mom and Daddy, Tiar Black and her children, and best friend Marissa Hubbard.

Her dreams were filled with anything to do with helping people or animals.

What beautiful little Andi Williams offered to each of us is very significant and important. She reminded us that life is to be lived and it should always be cherished.

Her life may have been short,
but she lived it with depth
and she lived it with vigor
and she lived it with magnitude
and she lived it with significance
and she lived it beautifully
because she lived it with love.

Andi will always be greatly missed by everyone.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on April 22 at a time and place to be announced.

As a gift for Andi’s family, it has been requested that all friends, relatives and acquaintances write down their fondest and best of memories and/or personal thoughts of Andi.

Please bring these precious notes and letters with you to the service.

— Family and friends of Andi Williams