Wilhelmina Williams' Obituary
Wilhelmina Violet Williams,
Was more than just a name; she was a testament to a life well-lived, marked by adventure, excitement and comedic humor. She exhibited a profound love for her family and friends. On January, 20, 2025, this remarkable woman passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and friends, at the age of 96, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.
Born and raised in, San Bernardino, California, Wilhelmina’s early years were filled with curiosity and insatiable desire to explore the world around her. It didn’t take long for her talents and passion for life to emerge, setting the stage for a life with remarkable achievements and unforgettable experiences. From a tender age, she adopted the nickname, “Chickie,” by her family, as she was born 3lbs, the smallest of her siblings, fitting into a small shoebox at infancy.
Wilhelmina’s life work was palpable, as a proud manager of AT&T (formerly Pacific Bell), she served 45 proud years as manager of the San Bernardino 2nd street office. She started her position at the age of sixteen in, 1944. She was committed to excellence, earning her not only the respect of her colleagues, but also a reputation of great work ethic that stretched far and wide. She faced great adversity as A Strong, Hispanic, Professional Female in The Workforce in the 1950’s, in a time when women were expected to be homemakers. She was a pioneer, paving the road for women’s equality and inclusion. She was a proud member and representative of, The Teamsters Union, supporting the rights of Phone Operators.
There was more to Wilhelmina than her strong work ethic, she had a zest for cooking for the people she loved. She would wake early in the wee-hours to prepare Handmade tortillas, chile verde and albondigas soup for the days meals. Cooking for her family was to love her family. She shared many recipes and cooking tips with family as she danced around the kitchen. When preparing her famous tortillas, her rolling pin could be heard for miles, summoning a crowd of people waiting to enjoy them fresh from her comal.
One of her greatest passions was to travel, having traveled to countless countries and to All 50 States, a very proud woman to have shared the world with her Husband & Children, inspiring many others to take the time to enjoy life, one trip at a time. She traveled cruises to Alaska, Mexico and The Panama Canal, while in traveling style, enjoying time with friends, family and often taking over as pseudo-entertainment-director, sharing laughs with crowds of fellow passengers.
Wilhelmina’s infectious spirit and drive for life was nothing short of inspiring, as she laughed and found comedic relief in every moment. Her love for Halloween and planning her costume months in advance made her feel like a kid, again. She not only wore the costume, but played The Part, whether it be silly or elegant, she never broke character, finding great enjoyment in the laughter of others. She never seized a moment to express herself, even welcoming humbling humility and often rendering herself exhausted of laughter.
She will always be remembered for her infectious laugh, silly faces, jokes and unwavering love for her family.
What’s your fondest memory of Wilhelmina?
What’s a lesson you learned from Wilhelmina?
Share a story where Wilhelmina's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Wilhelmina you’ll never forget.
How did Wilhelmina make you smile?
