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Obituary
Blanche Williams, affectionately known as Midge, traded her earthly woes for celestial peace on July 1, 2024, at the age of 91. Born in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri, Midge made her final curtain call in Lincoln Park, Michigan, after a brave battle with metastatic breast cancer.
Midge was a force to be reckoned with, both in her professional life and her personal endeavors. She retired in 1996 from Ford Motor Company where she excelled as a Purchaser of raw materials for engine blocks and castings. Midge had a knack for negotiating deals that left even the toughest of suppliers in awe.
Though her heart belonged to her family and friends, Midge harbored a secret love affair with the stock market. Ever the savvy investor, she often tuned into Jim Kramer’s morning show for tips, and rumor has it, her broker was her best friend.
Her passion extended to the American Foundry Society, where she shattered the glass ceiling by becoming the first female president of the male-dominated Detroit/Windsor Chapter. Too many awards of excellence adorned her mantle to mention, but none shone brighter than her 35-foot blind chip-in for birdie during her only season of league golf—a feat she reminded everyone of (often).
Midge was preceded in death by her loving parents, Irene (Olenuk) Williams and Birl Williams; her sisters Pearl Pirtle and Opal Vanausdoll; her brothers John, Thomas, and Earl Williams; nephews Larry Williams, Jerry Pirtle, Neal Pirtle, and Ron Vanausdoll; and nieces Jackie DeJack and Opal Fay Harper.
She leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter carried on by her niece Karen Paine and Ida Stallons; nephew Jim Pirtle; great-nephews Arnold Pirtle, Pete Pirtle, David Pirtle, Jimmy Pirtle, Zack Williams, Matt Williams, John Williams, John Stallons, Matt Stallons, Paul Stallons, Jack Barben, Mike Hazelwood, Nick Vanausdoll, and Chris Vanausdoll; and great-nieces Jennifer Williams, Shelley Wilharm, Dale Harper-Lam, Abby Knight, Mendy Pirtle, and Jenna Mae Dodd. Let's not forget the dozens upon dozens of great-great nieces and nephews who will continue to share her stories for generations to come.
To honor Midge's extraordinary life, an open viewing will be held on Monday, July 8, 2024, from 1:00 pm until 4:30 pm, followed by a service from 4:30 pm until 5:15 pm (or sooner, if Midge has any say in it) at Michigan Memorial, 32163 Huron River Dr, Flat Rock, MI 48134. Immediately following the service, we shall proceed to Vitos Pizzeria located at 3962 Fort St, Lincoln Park, MI 48146, for a proper Welch/Saxon/Celtic/French send-off, filled with love, laughter, and perhaps a toast or two in her honor.
Midge lived her life with wit, wisdom, and an unwavering love for those around her. May her spirit continue to inspire us all.
