Willan was born in Wadena, Wadena County, Minnesota, USA, on 29 April 1906, to parents Nicholas Martin Neuerburg (1877–1956) and Aloisia Tabery (1887–1973). Her father was born in Germany, while her maternal grandparents were born in Austria. She had eight younger siblings: Bernard Ferdinand, Norbert, Bertilia Catherine Imdieke, Leo Edwin, Cyrilla Joan Erickson, Lawrence Patrick, Herbert Nicholas, and Clement Earl. She attended St. Ann’s Catholic School, where she stayed with the Benedictine nuns at their convent during the winter months. As she reached high school age, her assistance became crucial on the family farm. Eventually, she resumed her education at Beauty School in Chicago, Illinois.

On 10 May 1927, she married Harry Goldie Andrie (1891–1978), whom she had met at a neighbor’s party. The couple had a son, Roy Joseph Andrie (1931–2021). The family lived on the outskirts of Wadena for many years before moving into town in the 1960s. She worked as a seamstress at the Wadena Singer Sewing Center. Her husband passed away on 7 May 1978, just 3 days before their 51st wedding anniversary.

On 2 April 1984, she married Lloyd George Willan (1910–1997), whom she had met during one of her travels to Texas.

Willan passed away in Wadena, Wadena County, Minnesota, USA, on 25 November 2016, at the age of 110. She was survived by her son, 6 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, 9 great-great-grandchildren, and one brother, Herbert Nicholas (1924–2019).