Vanessa Williams has announced that her mother, Helen Louise Williams, has died. She was 85. Williams shared the sad news via Instagram on Jan. 2.
“On December 28th, the world lost a powerhouse, dynamo and force of nature packed into a 5ft frame. Our mom, Helen Williams, aka Gaga to many, took her final bow in London 20 days after celebrating her 85th birthday surrounded by family and friends,” Williams captioned a slideshow featuring photos of her mother over the decades. “It’s impossible to describe all she meant to everyone because each person saw a different facet of her. Loyal friend to many, icy stares to a chosen few.”
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At the time of her death, Helen Louise was spending time in London to not only support Williams during the opening night of The Devil Wears Prada musical since she plays the role of Miranda Priestly, but to also celebrate her 85th birthday, Essence reported. Williams confirmed that her mother died “due to complications of acute liver failure.”
Born in Buffalo, New York, Helen Louise, dedicated over 40 years to the Ossining and Manhattanville School Districts, according to People. She also worked as a professor at Manhattanville College before retiring in 1996. As an accomplished pianist, she taught private piano lessons and even performed at various community and church events.
In 2012, Helen Louise co-authored the New York Times best-selling memoir You Have No Idea: A Famous Daughter, Her No-Nonsense Mother, and How They Survived Pageants, Hollywood, Love, Loss (and Each Other), which put a spotlight on her bond with Williams, her only daughter. She also leaves behind her son, Chris, who is four years younger than Williams.
