Catherine Williams

Catherine A. Williams, 81, passed away on April 17th, 2026, surrounded by family. She was born in Steubenville, Ohio to John and Anne Karaffa. She graduated from Toronto High School in Toronto, Ohio in 1962 and she subsequently graduated from the College of Steubenville (now called Franciscan University) in 1966. While in college, she was a member of Delta Zeta sorority. It was not common for women to attend college at that time, but it was encouraged by her parents. She went on to become a lifelong language arts teacher. She began her teaching career at Toronto High School where she taught from 1966 to 1973. She subsequently taught at St. Alfred School in Taylor, Michigan until 2000. She retired from Taylor Schools in 2001. Catherine had a passion for teaching, and she enjoyed the challenges of educating the next generation by starting innovative programs in the classroom. Her students remembered her for her wisdom, humor and encouragement.

Catherine married her beloved husband, David Williams, in 1973. They met by chance during a Christmas holiday vacation in the Bahamas. They started a conversation because they were reading the same book. They were married 38 years before David’s passing in 2011. They enjoyed traveling, golfing, boating and relaxing at their cottage. Catherine especially savored her many trips to Stratford, Canada to enjoy the phenomenal theater and superb cuisine.

Catherine was multi-talented. She learned to play the flute, violin and piano during her childhood. She enjoyed playing tennis, golf, card games and reading books. She was happy when piloting her pontoon boat on Secord Lake. Catherine was an excellent chef and baker inheriting these talents from her mother. People looked forward to receiving her cookies at Christmas. After her retirement, she was blessed to winter yearly in Florida where she made many lifelong friends. Catherine had a special gift for making others feel loved and celebrated, always going out of her way to make meaningful occasions memorable for her friends and family.

Catherine was a woman of faith. She was an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Gladwin,Michigan and she participated in the Catholic Council of Women’s organization in Florida and the funeral committee at her local church. She traveled to the Holy Land and followed the path of St. Paul which enhanced her understanding of the scriptures. Catherine heard the word of God and she acted on it.

She was preceded in death by her husband, David Williams; her parents, John and Anne Karaffa; brother-in-law Jim (JoAnne); sisters-in-law Jean, Joan, Marie Terese, Mary Williams Knight, and Louise (Tommy) Walters. She is survived by her siblings Cornelia (Bill) Karaffa Exler, Christine (Robin) Anderson, John (Beverly) Karaffa, and Camille (Joe) Karaffa; brothers- in- law Robert (Brenda) Williams and Tommy Walters; nephews Nick Karaffa, Matt Karaffa, Jonathan Williams, and Brent Williams; nieces Erica Williams Douglas and Meaghan (Justin) Williams Marrinez. Catherine also loved her many great nieces and great nephews. She was a special godmother to Elsa Martinez, her great niece. They loved baking cookies together.

Visitation will be held at 10am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Gladwin, Michigan on Saturday, May 30th, 2026. A funeral mass will begin at 11am with interment at Sacred Heart Cemetery immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Catherine’s name can be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Gladwin, Michigan or the Toronto High School Alumni Association in Toronto, Ohio.

The family would like to thank the staff at the University of Michigan Cancer Center and the medical ICU for their excellent and compassionate care. A special thank you to Catherine’s wonderful card group for their kindness and support during her illness.

A life well-lived leaves behind a beautiful bouquet of memories. Catherine was a good soul who touched so many lives in a very positive way. It was a blessing to have known her. She was kind, loving, generous, faithful, compassionate, and courageous and isn’t that what it means to be a shining light in this world.

Arrangements are in the care of Hall-Kokotovich Funeral Home. www.hallkokotovichfuneralhome.com