Ida Williams ’96 passed away on July 16, 2025 at the age of 59.
Ida completed her undergraduate studies in economics at the University of Tirana and, thanks to her academic excellence, received her law degree on full scholarship in 1996 from Hamline University School of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota. While in law school she met Steve Williams, whom she married in the summer of 1995 and with whom she had two daughters, Paola and Josie.
In 2001, after spending a few years back in Ida’s home country of Albania, they set their roots in Washington, D.C. Ida began her career in the real estate title business conducting title searches for Tony Baptista, owner of Docu-Search of Washington D.C. She then worked as a title examiner with First American Title Insurance Company, later becoming a title claims attorney. In 2009 she became the D.C.’s Deputy Recorder of Deeds. From January 2012 until her passing, she served as the city’s Recorder of Deeds.
A point of pride throughout Ida’s professional life was how she led the Recorder of Deeds’ office to new heights. Under her leadership, the office became more efficient, more trusted, and a breeze to work with. Colleagues and clients alike said she was a natural and gifted leader. She made every interaction feel valued and every person feel seen.
Class of 1996