Dear Dennis, Margo and David,
Millicent was such an admired and appreciated person. Her sense of perspective about people, life and events combined with her ability to be a sage listener and advisor stands out. She was loyal and possessed a great sense of humor, particularly about life's absurdities. We loved her sensitivity and gentleness which were combined with incredible character, strength and wisdom. Millicent could refreshingly be direct and she knew not to focus on things in the past that couldn't be changed. She had such a beautiful sense of style, always demonstrated a commitment to excellence, and she put family first through her love. That's the Millicent our family loved and knew as a friend. We will always call you, Dennis, Margo,& DJ our Ithaca family.
Millicent, you will remain a handprint on our hearts. Phil and Mary Lu

from Camille A. Brown:

Now I find myself, thinking about Aunt Millicent's laugh and recording it in my mind so I can always play it back. The memories continue.. how and where she was sitting as I came downstairs for breakfast- she had oatmeal and green tea prepared just how I liked it- her legs...when I was little I used to look at the hyper extension of her legs and think it was so cool. I secretly wished my legs could do that...I always thought you and Aunt Millicent's voices and laughs were so distinctive. And together it was the dance version of soft shoe- glides through, brushes, turns, freezes, moves again. Whether in the audience for my shows or watching the motion of your connection as a couple, you were both always dancing. My voice is so distinct, it's something I'm still insecure about, but I hope I find a partner that matches me in rhythm the way it was matched for The Williams'.

from Ken McClane:
"She was often quiet but resounding present, with that solidity that moves mountains and is the foundation of social movements. Her gravitas that was not showy but was undeniable—her ready acknowledgement that "boys need to be boys." I recall how she once chided you and me, we college teachers, for our easy jobs, which, of course, was somewhat tongue-and-check, but was also true. In this and everything, she kept her eyes on the truth. And she did not suffer fools gladly, although one had no problem being a fool about her, as I often was.

All of this is unspeakable: the loss of someone so special, a vast tearing in the tissue of the universe."

There are so many wonderful memories of Millicent. I had the privilege of working with Millicent in the '80's and 90's as part of a team of trainers for the former Child Protective Services Training Institute, Family LIfe Development Center at Cornell. Countless trainees from throughout the state were fortunate to learn from Millicent as she spoke about the significance of permanency and adoption for children and youth. I might add that she didn't just "speak" about this topic….she encouraged others to think about it deeply and purposefully. It made a difference in terms of the depth of learning and how it was carried forth months and years later. Her abilities also encompassed many other speciality areas and her intuitive sense provided guidance with many aspects of the work. Her insight and knowledge enriched training sessions as well as many discussions with colleagues in both formal and informal settings! I think we all learned from her as she was an unwaveringly strong advocate for children and families. Millicent had a quiet strength, a caring spirit for new as well as experienced child welfare staff, and a steadfast, calm approach to sorting out problematic or complex cases. I will always remember Millicent's focus on improving the lives of the most vulnerable, a dedication that was thematic whether in a training session or listening to a colleague's concerns. She will indeed be remembered forever.

I was so sorry to hear about Millicent's passing. I did a lot of work with her in the 1990s and 2000's. I loved her passion for our important work.

My family was blessed to know Millicent and the Williams Family. They were our dear Ithacan neighbors starting when our girls were in 2nd grade, a long time ago. Millicent had the tiniest body, with the strongest voice and the clearest vision of who she was. She was the first person I know to wear a tuxedo to an elegant affair. Her laughter peppered comments which were not lightly given. She had an admirable edge and lived her beliefs. When I wept over incidents with my students, she would clearly sum up what needed to be done and expected me to follow through. I credit Millicent with teaching me some simple lifesaving ideas:  1. to put the most important items at the top of an agenda at any meeting you are leading. 2. never ride the subway in NYC. Take a bus or walk.  3. Read to your grandchildren every week. Soon they will be reading to you. Thank you Millicent.