September 4, 1932 - November 16, 2024
1932 - 2024
Alice Katherine Williams of Eden Bank, Chilliwack, BC passed away peacefully on November 16th, 2024 at the age of 92.
Alice was born in Rosthern, Saskatchewan on September 4th, 1932 to Frank and Katerina Thiessen. She met Norm Williams at Norman's Photographic in Chilliwack. Alice was hired to do retouch work on photographs and shortly after married Norm. Diane was born in 1955 and Doug a year later. Alice went on to be an art teacher's aide (17 years) to Diane in High School, helping teach art to grades 8-12 at Mouat Secondary in Abbotsford and later at Alpha Secondary in Burnaby. Students welcomed her, calling her "mom". She excelled in her ability to help teenagers.
Alice was passionate about art! She painted in oils but was a master in stained glass art, creating large windows and complex hanging lamps. She helped start the Stained Glass program at Mouat Secondary School (Abbotsford) inspiring one of the students to have a career in stained glass.
Alice along with her husband Norm, travelled to 32 countries together. She loved to meet new people, and immerse herself in the art and culture of the country. In her later years she volunteered at the Blue Heron Nature Reserve in Chilliwack. When she was a young girl she would ride her bicycle from Greendale to the nature reserve and swim.
Alice had a curiosity for life. She enjoyed young people, teaching, travel, art, reading, history, swimming, entertaining. Her favourite place to visit was Tuscany, Italy. She was a voracious reader, creative, supportive mother and always lent an ear to a teenager in need. Alice was excited to behold and meet her new great grand daughter, Camille Williams two years ago. She had a rich, interesting, full life up to her 92 years. We will miss her greatly as a mom and friend.
Alice was predeceased by husband Norm Williams. She is survived by Doug Williams (son) and Joni Williams (wife), Diane Williams (daughter) and David Glavind (husband), Corey, Christine and Camille Williams (Doug's son and daughter in-law and grand daughter), Carson (Doug's son) Leslie Greenway (Joni's sister who knew Alice as "mom" too).
The family will have a private celebration of life to spread Alice's ashes.