Fox Run Resident Provides Donation to Support Meaningful Programs in Memory of His Wife

Inspired by his wife’s experience at Fox Run, an Erickson Senior Living community in Novi, Michigan, resident Robert Williams is donating $1 million to the Memory Care/Intermissions Program of Fox Run Village, Inc.

The donation is being made in honor of his late wife, Diane L. Williams, and in the name of The Diane L. and Robert C. Williams Memory/Intermissions Care Fund. It will provide long-term support for the Intermissions Program and Memory Care neighborhood to enhance programs such as art and music therapy, art shows, museum trips, and more for residents of Fox Run.

“My vision is to provide expanded cultural experiences to help support memory-challenged residents,” stated Mr. Williams. “My secondary goal is to also support community organizations and individuals engaged in these activities.”

Bob’s impact on the Fox Run community runs deep, according to Executive Director Ashley Bulat. “On behalf of the residents and team members of Fox Run, I would like to express our gratitude for the incredible generosity and kindness shown by Bob through his donation to the Intermissions Program and the Memory Care Neighborhood. Through his unwavering love for his late wife Diane, Bob has seen the positive effect that activities like art and music therapy have on residents and their families. His gift fortifies our commitment to providing these types of services for many years to come.”

The announcement to the community was made on November 7, an appropriate tie-in to Alzheimer’s Awareness Month.

Bob and Diane moved to their residence at Fox Run in 2008. Six years later, Diane, who had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, transitioned to the memory care neighborhood until her passing in 2020. During this time, Robert wrote that “almost every day Diane tells me how happy she is. She is really thriving.”

The engaging activities were a motivating factor for Diane’s joy. For example, memory care had a wonderful visiting art therapist who taught the Zentangle style of drawing. According to Bob, “Diane was enthralled by it.” This experience led Diane to create a piece in 2014, entitled “Geisha”, inspired by the colors and traditional dress of the citizens of Zambia, where the couple had lived 50 years previously.

“In 2024, Fox Run initiated a new gallery space which included an opportunity to display resident-made art. I asked if Diane’s work could be displayed, and (community resources coordinator) Misty Dixon said ‘yes’,” described Bob. “It was extremely well-received during the exhibition, and this was really the start of my interest in supporting Memory Care and Intermissions at Fox Run.”

Growing up in Detroit, Diane attended the prestigious Cass Technical High School and, upon graduation, soon became a professional calligrapher who worked for J.L. Hudson and did their windows and in-house displays.

Diane would also write a book, Tribal Masks: A Woman’s Search for Self, based on her travel with Bob through 50 countries. She was also an accomplished artist and singer, even singing in a chorus in Carnegie Hall in New York City twice.

Diane meant the world to Bob. “I have a shy personality, but Diane was extroverted. She was my link to the world,” he said. “Diane was always a delight to be with, and so talented and intelligent.”

The donation not only honors Diane, but also has great meaning to Bob. “Alzheimer’s was such a big part of our life journey together. So many people helped us along the way,” noted Bob. “I have peace of mind that the programs that gave great joy to Diane at Fox Run will continue to make a positive impact for residents for many years to come.”

Bob continues to stay active at Fox Run, volunteering as a “floor director” in the community’s television studio and involved with the Peace Corps and Overseas Service Group.

To learn more about life at our community, please visit FoxRunNovi.com.