Olson Burke-Sullivan Funeral And Cremation Center

Obituary Detail

November 13, 1951 September 01, 2023
November 13, 1951 -- September 01, 2023

Betty Joanne Williams, Age:71

Betty Joanne Williams (nee Kolodziej), age 71, of Chicago, Illinois, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday, September 1, 2023. Betty is survived by her husband, Wayne Williams, and her daughters, Melissa (Brian) Gillham and Christy (Napoleon) Sykes. She was the devoted grandmother to Bodhi, Noah, and Grace Sykes, and Clara and Alice Gillham. Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Walter J. and Joanne Kolodziej and brother, Walter V. (Mary Ann) Kolodziej. In life she found great strength, loving camaraderie, and laughter from her aunts, uncles, and cousins. 

Betty spent cherished time at her family’s dairy farm in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and became an avid traveler when her children left the home, visiting more than 25 countries, and learning as much as she could about other cultures and history. She was a passionate baker, voracious reader, BUNCO and blackjack player, crossworder, Wordle and Sudoku enthusiast. Betty’s greatest love was the relationships she held dear. She was a doting wife, impassioned mother, and loyal friend. Nothing meant more to her than her five grandchildren, for whom she devoted much time and energy and received great happiness.

A memorial visitation will be held from 4:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. on Monday, September 11, at Olson Burke-Sullivan Funeral Center at 6467 N. Northwest Highway, Chicago, IL. A memorial mass will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M. on Tuesday, September 12, at St. Juliana Church at 7201 N. Oketo, Chicago IL.

For more information, please call 773.774.3333

Condolences

Kirsten A September 06, 2023

Enter your relationship with Betty Joanne Williams Enter your city ,

My sincere condolences to you Mr Wayne, Melissa, Christy and your families. I am so sorry to hear of Mrs Betty’s passing; I hold so many wonderful memories of your family and of Mrs Betty. I pray you will find strength in Christ’s love during these coming days. You are all in my family’s prayers.

Ken and Claudia Gillham September 08, 2023

inlaws Chicago , Illinois

Betty became family as our children married, but she was always like true family to us...more like a sister than a sister-in-law. We bonded from day one and our love and friendship also grew from day one. She was an amazing woman...smart, funny, adventurous, caring and loving. Always there to help, give advice, bake, or whatever was needed. She left a hole in our hearts that can never be filled. Go in peace, dear Betty. We will miss you more than you could ever know.

Susan Klimczak (Bloniarz) September 08, 2023

Cousin Columbus , Georgia

I was shocked to hear this from my brother. We were always a close family growing up I'm Illinois and spending time in Michigan at the Bloniarz Family Farm. Many great memories. Betty Jo and I became friends on Facebook an she was always so sweet and would comment on pics. She was blessed with a great family. Heaven gained another angel, rest in peace cousin.

Chris Slowik Jensen September 08, 2023

Childhood friend abd neighbor Pinellas Oark , Florida

So sorry to hear if Betty's passing. We played together all the years growing up on Shakespeare. Between her family and mine we were half the block. The neighborhood was like one big family.

Pat Somogyi September 09, 2023

Good friend Chicago , Illinois

My heart breaks for Wayne, Melissa, Christy, the grandchildren, the family, all who loved her, and for myself! I will miss Betty and her friendship more than I can begin to say! I looked forward to our once a month lunches where we solved the problems of the world. I just don't know how to say goodbye to a special friend, and a 52 year friendship. Betty always had a kind word and I really felt she had my back! She was a very good friend and always had good common sense advice you could trust. Wayne, Melissa, & Christy, I hope you find comfort in knowing that woman loved her family with her whole heart & soul and was so proud of all of you. Cherish every happy memory and know she is always with you. She was a great friend and will be greatly missed. ❤