Kara Williams, Floyd High School student, dies

Known as a kind and caring high school senior who gave so much to others, Kara Lynn Williams, 17, had planned on becoming a teacher.

She worked at Independent Group Home Living Inc. for challenged individuals and also volunteered for the Special Olympics. She was active on the track team at William Floyd High School and also was a member of the high school band.

"Kara was an incredible student and person. Her enthusiasm for learning was contagious, and her love of life was inspiring," said her English teacher, Viveca Nargi.

Williams, of Moriches, died Wednesday at Stony Brook University Medical Center after suffering a seizure, her family said.

She was a cast member in the school's current production of "The Boys from Syracuse." There would be a moment of silence before the William Floyd Theater Department's performances Friday night, Saturday night and Sunday afternoon, district officials said.

Each show will be dedicated to Williams' memory.

Williams also played soccer for the Mastic Sports Club and softball with Yuma, a local sports organization.

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She had been accepted to University of Rhode Island where she was going to be enrolled in the early childhood educational program.

"Although it may take a village to raise a child, one child can move a whole village," said her brother, Gregory Williams. "By being honest, courageous, selfless and always with a beaming smile, Kara was able to touch the lives of so many people. Her influence will be felt by all those who love her."

Williams is survived by her parents, Jeffrey and Louise Williams of Moriches, and her two brothers, Gregory of Moriches, and Michael of Uniondale.

She is also survived by her paternal grandmother, Gloria Williams of Pittsfield, Mass.

Visiting will be held Saturday and Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 7 to 9 p.m. at Roma Funeral Home in Shirley. A Mass will be offered at St. John's Greek Orthodox Church in Blue Point at 10 a.m. Monday. Burial will follow in Pinelawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations in her memory be made to: IGHL Foundation, 221 N. Sunrise Service Rd., Manorville, NY 11949.