Red Sox mourn the loss of Claudia Franc Williams

BOSTON, MA – With permission from the family, the Red Sox today announced that Claudia Franc Williams, daughter of Hall of Famer Ted Williams, passed away this past December 2023. Born on October 8, 1971, in Vermont, Claudia was the only remaining immediate family member of the late Red Sox left fielder before her passing. She is survived by her husband of 17 years, Eric Abel, who has been the Williams family attorney for more than 30 years. Claudia was preceded in death by her brother, John Henry Williams, who passed away in 2004.

“We were deeply saddened to learn of Claudia Williams’ passing this past winter,” said Red Sox President & CEO Sam Kennedy. “Out of respect for the family’s wishes, we have honored their desire to mourn privately until they felt ready to share the news with the public. Claudia was a cherished member of the Red Sox family, known for her deep dedication to preserving her father’s legacy and all of us feel a responsibility to carry on her mission in her absence. Claudia’s commitment and passion were inspiring and she will be profoundly missed by all of us at the Red Sox and all who knew her.”

Attached please find an elegy from Eric Abel about the passing of his wife, Claudia.