Mary Bernice Williams

In Loving Memory of Mary Williams

Mary Williams, born March 6, 1947, in Gladwin, Michigan, passed from this life surrounded by the love she spent a lifetime giving to others. She was the beloved daughter of Reggie and Ruth Whittle and lived a life defined by devotion, generosity, laughter, and compassion.

Above all, Mary was devoted to her family. She recently celebrated 50 wonderful years of marriage with the love of her life, David Williams, with whom she shared friendship, adventure, and enduring love. She was a devoted, loving mother to her two adopted sons, John (who preceded her in death in September of 2025) and Christian (Amanda). She took immense joy in being "Grandma" to Sutton, Maddox, and Amelia, whom she adored completely and spoiled with homemade brownies any chance she got. Mary also cherished her sister Ilah (Ray), her niece Bobbi (Dan), and all of the close family connections that meant so much to her.

Mary extended those connections outside of her own family by dedicating over 30 years to her career as a Radiologic Technologist, most spent at the Children's Hospital of Milwaukee. She loved working with children and intentionally worked third shift so she could be home with her boys during the day-just one of many quiet sacrifices she made without hesitation. This love extended to all creatures, especially her dogs: Sporty, Sam, Doc, Emily, Duke, and Bandit. When people joked that they would love to reincarnate as one of Mary's dogs, there was no higher compliment. She graciously extended that care to other animals by volunteering at the local Humane Society.

Mary's heart was as big as her sense of adventure. She was a licensed private pilot, an avid Harley rider, and a passionate traveler who loved vacations on cruise ships with her family, where she relished purchasing jewelry so she could haggle with local merchants. Anyone who met Mary knows she was charming and gracious, encouraging even strangers to open up to her vivacious personality. Her laughter-especially during comedic films that left her gasping for air-was sincere, boisterous and radiant. She loved musicals, especially Les Misérables, and found joy in experiencing life's simple pleasures. Food was an indulgence as well as a love language for Mary. She delighted in sharing a Reese's cup, Mr. Goodbar, even a juicy mushroom swiss burger, or making sweets or home cooked meals for friends and family as a way to care for others and bring people together.

A woman of deep faith, Mary loved the Lord and lived that love through service to others. She had a lifelong habit of quietly taking care of everyone around her, making sure no one went without-whether it was food, comfort, help, or simply someone to talk to. Mary leaves behind a legacy of boundless love, kindness, humor, and generosity. Although she is no doubt experiencing a joyous homecoming in Heaven, she will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who were lucky enough to know her.

Memorial Visitation SUNDAY, February 22, 2026 from 1-3 PM at the Funeral Home. Memorial Service at 3 PM.

Prasser-Kleczka Funeral Homes
Bay View Chapel
3275 South Howell Avenue
Milwaukee, Wisconsin