Marta G. Williams

Marta Grossman Williams, beloved partner, sister, family member, and friend, passed away surrounded by love on September 27, 2025. She was born in Red Hook, New York, on March 29, 1953, to Ira B. Grossman and Lucile Atkins Grossman.

Marta grew up in Levittown, Pennsylvania, and graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School. She went on to earn her Bachelor's Degree from New College in Sarasota, Florida, before beginning what would become a lifelong pursuit of knowledge and creativity. Early in her career, she worked as a research lab technician for Nobel Prize recipient Eric Kandel at New York University. She later earned her Master's Degree in Analytical Biochemistry from the University of Cincinnati, setting the foundation for a distinguished career in the pharmaceutical sciences.

Marta began her professional journey as a research scientist with Upjohn Pharmaceuticals in Kalamazoo, Michigan. She stayed with the company through its many mergers and transitions, eventually retiring from Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, where she had advanced into a leadership role.

While her scientific career was full of achievements, Marta also discovered a deep passion for weaving and textile arts. She took up weaving before leaving the sciences and continued to grow her craft throughout retirement. She belonged to numerous guilds-including Weavers of Kalamazoo, Inc., Woodland Weavers and Spinners, Cross Borders, Michigan League of Handweavers, Midwest Weavers Association, and the Handweavers Guild of America. Marta served in leadership roles with several of these organizations, including as president of the Woodland Weavers and Spinners Guild and the Michigan League of Handweavers. She also provided technical expertise, mentored others, and participated in countless workshops and conferences.

Her work was widely admired, and she entered woven garments and artwork into multiple weaving shows. In 2021, she was honored when one of her pieces was accepted into the juried Small Expressions Exhibit for the Handweavers Guild of America. Beyond her artistry, Marta's joy came from sharing her knowledge and encouraging others to explore the craft.

Marta is preceded in death by Ira B. Grossman and Lucile Atkins Grossman. Marta is survived by her devoted life partner, whom she always lovingly called her "Sweetie," Norman O'Meara Jr.; her sister, Gni Grossman (Christopher Murray). She is also remembered with love by Norman III (Lesley) O'Meara; Patrick (Kathy) O'Meara; grandchildren Norman IV (Mary Ann) O'Meara, Brookelynn (TR) George, Caitlin O'Meara, Samantha O'Meara, Logan O'Meara, Tori O'Meara, and Finnley O'Meara; and great-grandchildren Lincoln O'Meara, Bennett George, Walker George, and Ivy O'Meara. Additional family members who were close to Marta include Tom and Cheryl O'Meara; Mike O'Meara and Ronna Schultz; Meghan, Erik, and Piper Lince; Timber Sebright and Tammy Duff; and Brian and Megan Springer and their children.

Outside of her professional and weaving accomplishments, Marta embraced life with curiosity, creativity, and joy. She was a talented seamstress, often making her own clothes, and found joy in needlepoint, cross-stitch, and crafting with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved tending her flowerbeds, reading, and collecting seashells along Florida's beaches. Some of her happiest memories came from time spent outdoors-hunting with Norm, fishing, swimming, walking, pontoon rides on Pine Lake, and traveling on yearly trips with her sister Gni.

Marta will be remembered not only for her intelligence and artistry but also for her warmth, generosity, and love of family. She lived a life full of discovery and creativity, and she touched the lives of many with her kindness, talent, and unwavering passion.

Her legacy lives on in the beauty she created, the knowledge she shared, and the love she gave.

Marta's family will receive friends on Thursday, October 2, 2025, 12:00 to 2:00 PM at the Williams-Gores Funeral Home. Private burial will take place at Prairieville Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Marta's memory are invited to make a donation in her name to The Weavers Guild of Kalamazoo, P.O. Box 2795, Kalamazoo, MI 49003-2795.