Alma "Marie" (Weirich) Williams 1921-2013

Alma "Marie" (Weirich) Williams passed away gently after a walk in the sun on March 22, 2013, in San Mateo County, California. Until January 2, 2013, she resided in her own home in Stockton, California. During her illness she would say daily that she had a good life, full of love and being loved. She was grateful to her daughters and their families for their devoted vigil and optimism.

"Marie" was born on June 28th, 1921 in Johnson City, Texas to Alvina and Henry J. Weirich. She was the youngest of their seven children reared in Fredericksburg and Johnson City. An excellent student at Johnson City High School class of 1939, Salutatorian, FFA sweetheart, and many other accomplishments, she left for San Antonio for business school after graduation. She worked for Pedernales Electric Company and as an executive secretary for the Continental Oil Company.

In 1944 while in Colorado Springs she met her future husband, Lt. Norman E. Williams of Modesto, California, at the Blue Spruce Restaurant. He left for Europe in June 1944 and they lovingly corresponded throughout the war. He received a bronze medal for valor while with the 2nd Army, "Hell on Wheels".

When Norman returned from Europe they were married in Johnson City at the Methodist Church on February 14, 1946. They settled in Fresno, California, where Norman was employed with Moore Equipment Company. The Korean War stationed them in Fairbanks, Alaska, until 1952 when they settled in Stockton, California. Norman operated Williams Equipment Company until his retirement and was known as "The Iron Thief" for recognizing the value of used heavy equipment worldwide.

Marie was an exceptional mother and devoted wife. She volunteered with her daughters! schools, Girl Scouts and created custom clothes for her family. She managed the ?nances and maintained a safe and loving home. Norman and Marie consistently instilled the value of family, manners, respect and open affection within the home and their community. They were both known for their quick wit and sense of humor.

The family would return to Texas every other year where they and their daughters would refresh and renew relationships with Marie!s parents, brothers and sisters and their families. Those deep connections that have sustained time and brought Norman and Marie back to Texas.
Norman preceded her in death on July 27, 2005. He had been an adventurer and treasured his Marie above all else in his life. She was his anchor and he her sanctuary. Her brothers and sisters, Carl, Paul and Albert Weirich, Gretchen Flowers, Mathilda LeDoux and George Weirich have all passed on before her.

Marie and Norman are survived by daughter Marsha Kay Williams and her husband Craig Miller of Pilot Hill, California: daughter Susan Joyce Williams-Pellegrini and her husband Robert Pellegrini of Hillsborough, California: grandchildren Alexia Pellegrini of San Francisco, Vincent Pellegrini of
Hillsborough, California, and Laura Pellegrini Nelson and her husband Jon Nelson as well as great grand- daughter, Isabella Nelson, of West Hollywood, California, along with many nieces and nephews and their families from Texas, California and beyond.

Norman and Marie will be interred at the Masonic Historical Cemetery in Johnson City next to her parents. A memorial and dedication will be at gravesite on June 21, 2013 at 10:30 AM. Immediately following family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life at the Event Center in Johnson City on Settlement Road beginning about noon.