Shirley May (Tapert) Williams, 96, of Saint Clair Shores, Michigan passed away October 15, 2018 at home surrounded by loved ones. Born in Detroit, Michigan on July 3, 1922, the second child of Frederick Emil and Ethel Pearl (nee Smith) Tapert’s nine children. The family moved to Saint Clair Shores when she was young. Known as “Ditty” to her family, Shirley graduated from Lake Shore High School, Class of 1940.
In 1942, she moved from Michigan to Brownsville, TX with her friend Rita to work in the USO. Shortly after returning to Michigan in 1946, she met her husband, Albert “Al” Williams at a Halloween party. They married on September 9, 1947 at the Lake Shore Presbyterian Church. Shirley was a full-time homemaker who raised four children. When her youngest child started middle school, she began working at the City of Saint Clair Shores.
Shirley loved spending time with family and friends, including grandchildren and great-grandchildren, her many brothers and sisters, as well as both old and new friends. Everyone was welcome and felt welcome at their home, where many happy occasions were celebrated. In addition to regularly visiting family in California and Florida, Shirley and Al vacationed in the Bahamas, Hawai’i, Mexico, Morocco, and Spain. Shirley was an excellent seamstress, and enjoyed working crossword puzzles.
Cheerful, vivacious, with a sunny disposition and a quick smile for all, she will be fondly remembered as a loving and caring wife, mother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend and will be greatly missed. Predeceased by her parents; brothers Edwin “Ed” Tapert and Robert “Bobby” Tapert; sisters Louise “Bum” Rasch and Ruth “Toots” Wiley. Survived by daughters Cindy Mackool Hill (Tom) and Becky Sroda; sons Glenn Williams (Jessica) and Todd Williams; brother Frederick “Fritz” Tapert of Fraser, MI; and sisters Doris “Dort” Stackpoole of Roseville, MI; Delores “Del” Collins of Gold Canyon, AZ; and Pearl Willette of Saint Clair Shores, MI; 5 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Arrangements have been made by Kaul Funeral Home on Jefferson in St. Clair Shores, MI. A viewing will be held from 4-8 PM on Friday, October 19th and Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, October 20th at 10 AM. Casual attire. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a memorial contribution to Hospice of Michigan.
