Obituary for Betty Williams
July 13, 1932 – August 8, 2025
Heaven gained a legend with the passing of Lillian "Betty" Williams, devoted mother of thirteen, grandmother of eighteen, and great-grandmother of two. At age 93, Betty was still the most interesting and vital part of our world.
Born on July 13, 1932, Betty lived a long and fascinating life marked by deep faith, boundless generosity, quick wit, and the kind of perseverance that belongs in history books. She was born and raised in an Irish Catholic family in Detroit, grew up during WWII, graduated from St. Mary's of Redford Catholic High School with highest honors, then attended the University of Detroit Jesuit, and later, the University of Michigan while in her sixties. A lifelong member of Mensa, she was incredibly humble yet always the smartest person in the room.
Before becoming a mother, she was a successful young professional in the 1950s, dressing in sharp suits and buying herself a car at a time when most women did not own cars. Later in life, she earned her real estate license and took pride in finding the perfect home for her family members, friends, and associates. She also volunteered her time for St. Vincent de Paul, visiting homes of families in need and helping them get back on their feet—a cause that was close to her heart.
After retirement, Betty revisited her love of sewing, making dozens of quilts for her family. In recent years, she was an active member of Rose Senior Living in Novi, where she hand-made hundreds of rosaries for schools and hospitals.
A devout Catholic, Betty's strength was as unwavering as her faith. She tirelessly served God, her family, and anyone who needed a meal, a ride, a listening ear, or a laugh. She was the very definition of unconditional love.
Lovingly referred to as "Mumma," she raised 13 children, each with stories too wild and wonderful to make up. She changed approximately 50,000 diapers in her lifetime; many were washed and wrung out by hand. She missed hours and days of sleep while waking up to crying babies and simultaneously waiting for teenagers to arrive home at all hours. She figured out every angle, showering and dressing at night, sleeping with one eye open and the car keys in the front pocket of her jeans.
She worked quiet miracles, too. She nursed 11 cases of chickenpox all at the same time. When the only toilet in the house broke, she somehow replaced and installed a new one with no tools or plumbing knowledge. And she never complained.
She made every one of her children feel like the center of her world, offering undivided attention, encouragement, and endless praise. Her simple but powerful mantra—"Go for it"—became their foundation.
No matter the time, the issue, or the ridiculousness of the request, Mumma was there. She could solve problems like a therapist and manage home repairs like a seasoned contractor. She was your first call in a crisis, your best audience for a story, and the fiercest protector anyone could hope for.
With self-deprecating humor and her signature iron will, she handled chaos with calm. To her children, she was a referee, chauffeur, counselor, and best friend. She was there for every injury, broken heart, and questionable decision. She was soft when needed, tough when it mattered, and funny always.
She leaves behind a legion of children and grandchildren, and a lifetime of stories. Most of all, she leaves behind a powerful example of love, grit, and generosity.
We love you, Mom. Thank you for defending us, believing in us, and teaching us to persevere. You were, and will always be, the greatest of all time.

Visitation 2-6 pm Sunday, August 10, 2025, at the O'Brien/Sullivan Funeral Home 41555 Grand River Ave Novi, with a rosary at 5pm. Funeral Liturgy 11 am Monday, August 11, 2025, at St. Mary of Redford Catholic Church 16098 Grand River Detroit, with visitation from 10 am until time of service. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Memorial contributions to Donations: St. Vincent de Paul Society or The Solanus Casey Center. www.solanuscasey.org
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