Tem Thelma Williams

May 7th, 2025

Larry and Family
I’m truly sorry to learn of Tem’s passing. During Tem and Larry’s time in Jamaica, we became friendly and spent many wonderful hours together at the Wyndham Hotel pool side, and enjoying an evening drive for ice cream in New Kingston. I can remember watching Tem doing laps in that huge pool. We kept in touch through the years via email. Larry, please accept my sincere condolences.

~Gary DiScala
~Friend from time in Jamaica, Norwalk CT and Delray Beach FL

March 3rd, 2024

An inspiration … nothing better describes Tem than those two little words. She was such a positive light and I enjoyed every second I was in her company. Thank you Tem, for tutoring my sometimes very challenging children … and always encouraging them. You were my favorite person to see when I looked up from the garden . You had no idea how those little moments were so very special for me … you were the best! My condolences to Larry and her family.

~Barbara Johnson
~Friend, Sarasota, Fl

March 1st, 2024

What I loved about Tem was her outgoing personality
and her fearlessness to try anything. I appreciated her love of learning and her tenacity. She was a one of a kind and will be missed

~Joan Williams
~Sister-in-law, Atlanta,Georgia

February 29th, 2024

Dear Dan and family, Clay and I would like to express our sincere sympathies on your loss. We briefly met Tem on a visit to the Google office in Chicago a number of years ago and although we weren’t in her company for long it was easy to see that she was a vivacious and much loved character. We know that she will be sorely missed by all who loved her but also forever fondly remembered. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dilis – may she rest in peace.

~Tom O’Malley
~Friend of family, Dublin, Ireland

February 28th, 2024

I was so sorry to hear about your loss and wish I could have attended services to share memories. Tem was an amazing and adventurous person, and I always enjoyed seeing her and the rest of the Williams family growing up. We have many pictures to share (I think of one my Dad, Mom, Larry and Tem on a boat on a lake in Peoria I think before any kids)- are there lakes in Peoria?- but these are all pre-digital age and at my Mom’s house. My heartfelt condolences to the Williams family and I hope I can see you all soon.

~Dan Kaul
~friend, Ann Arbor, MI

February 26th, 2024

We did not spend much time together, but when we did it was always happy. I will cherish the memories I had with you especially the one when David got Jack the expensive piano and David told us not to touch it. (behind David’s back as he walk away from us) We thought, what could go wrong and decided to put the thing together anyway. We got Larry involved in our plan of great minds think alike. Did a great job and you got to hear Jack play the piano that you helped put together for him. I remember the smile and joy on your face. Touched so many hearts, especially mine. I’ll miss you

~Linda
~Twin of your Daughter in law, La Grange

February 23rd, 2024

We moved into the neighborhood 17 years ago. Tem and Larry have been great neighbors and friends to us ever since then. Tem loved Isabelle; always encouraging her to be her best, bringing her lots of books to read and talking with her. We will miss her so much. Our heartfelt condolences to Larry, children and grand kids.

~Sue, John and Isabelle
~Neighbor, Arlington Heights, IL

February 23rd, 2024

Tem was a positive and visionary member of the Senior Citizens Commission for the Village of Arlington Heights. Her kindness and smart thinking will be missed. I am very sad we have lost her. Sue Viecelli

~Sue Viecelli
~friend, Arlington Heights IL

February 23rd, 2024

I consider myself very fortunate to have had a strong bond with both my Uncle Larry and Aunt Tem throughout my adult life. This close personal relationship has also extended to my first cousins. In every sense, they have always played a significant role in my life. I speak to my Aunt and Uncle with relative frequency and also many of my first cousins. In my experience, this is both rare and special! Assuredly this is due to Tem’s influence as she always encouraged a strong family bond. In addition, she was always genuinely supportive of myself, my wife, and my children. This is something I always appreciated about my aunt.

There are two recent memories that I will always cherish. First, our family reunion in Nashville (a cause she championed). Second, and more recently, Randi and I had the opportunity to visit Chicago in the fall and stayed with my Aunt and Uncle. I will specifically always cherish the memory of our visit to the Zoo and the lunch that followed at R. J. Grunts on a near perfect fall day. In short, I loved and will miss my Aunt very much.

P. S. On a lighter note, I hope I am still swimming laps right up till the end (a passion that seems to run in the family). Way to go Aunt Tem, I am proud of you for squeezing in one last work out!

~Mitchell & Randi Williams
~Nephew, Atlanta, Georgia

February 23rd, 2024

We express our heartfelt condolences to the entire Williams family. We remember Tem as a vibrant and enthusiasitc person who was not afraid to take on new challenges. She was always very welcomiing to us during the time we lived in Arlington Heights as a young, newly married couple, as well as in the succeeding years. We remember fondly the years we would visit Tem and Larry when they were raising their own children and when they were lovingly taking care of Aunt Lill, Tem’s mother. May Tem’s memory be for a blessing.

~Bud ( Robert) and Lynda Slotky
~Bud is a 1st cousin, La Canada, CA

February 22nd, 2024

Kym & family- we are so sorry for your loss and are sending prayers for healing. May her memory be a blessing. Eve, Mike, Ben & Teddy

~Eve Fields
~friend, Greenville, SC

February 22nd, 2024

She always enjoyed and was an enthusiastic bowler with her husband Larry bowling in our league. She always smiled and said hello and commented on my holiday shirts and tights. She was very active and walked and moved as if she were a 60 year old but not in her 80’s . I did not know her age. I admired her enthusiasm for the sport. She will be missed.

~Arlene Ohman
~a fellow bowler in the bowling league she bowled in, Arlington Hts

February 22nd, 2024

Always made me feel I could do anything I put my mind to. Tem was a supportive person who raised an amazing family & left a mark on society that touched a lot of people.

~Maxine Niems
~Cousin, Wentzville MO

February 22nd, 2024

One of the best persons I’ve ever known. Kind, genuine, loving, smart. She will be missed by everyone who knew and loved her.

~Steve Hessler
~Family friend, Peotone, IL

February 22nd, 2024

Kym, I am deeply saddened to learn of the loss of your mother. May wonderful memories of her comfort you at this difficult time.

~Jackie Bechek
~Friend, Greer, SC

February 21st, 2024

So sad for your family

~Brian E Slotky
~cousin, Boynton Beach, FL

February 21st, 2024

We’ve known Tem since she tutored our youngest son many years ago. We’ve also met Tem over the years at various activities at the Senior Center and while swimming. More recently, George has worked with Tem on the Arlington Heights Senior Citizens Commission and on the Arlington Heights Age Friendly Community Initiative.

~George & Kathy Motto
~Friends, Arlington Heights, IL

February 20th, 2024

Tem was a dear friend and neighbor who always checked on me and was always there when needed! I am in shock and will miss her so much. She was always active in our community. 🙏🙏❣️

~Mary Lou Hoffmeister
~Dear friend, Arlington Heights, Illnois

February 20th, 2024

I met Tem nearly 40 years ago when she was leading a fight to ban the sale of handguns in Arlington Heights. Later we cemented our friendship as regular lunchtime swimmers at the park district pool. Tem was an inspiration to me and a loving, devoted friend. Her beautiful and long marriage was one to admire. I will miss her but will forever be inspired by her adventurous spirit.

~Anne Burris
~Friend, Milwaukee, wi.