Remembering Thelma (Tem) Williams
PAUL WIEDER
Thelma Bess “Tem” Williams belied the idea that “those who can’t do, teach.”
A professional teacher, Williams — who died on Feb. 20 at age 82 — spent her life doing for others. She taught first grade in the Peoria Public School system; her first class had 65 children. Later, she taught English as a second language for High School District 214 and Harper Junior College, helping hundreds learn English, enter college, and find jobs.
“My mother was a never-ending advocate for social causes and community,” recalled her son, David. “She was an indomitable spirit, helping all in need.”
Growing up in Peoria, Williams was involved in several Jewish groups. Once in the Chicago area, she became a dedicated supporter of JUF, volunteering at The Ark, JUF Uptown Cafe, and Maot Chitim. She also “adopted” a Holocaust survivor, who became part of her family. “My parents brought him on trips, helped him move, and even set him up with a girlfriend,” David said.
Arlington Heights Mayor Thomas Hayes called Williams a “great public servant,” citing her work with the Arlington Heights Senior Citizen Commission. “We so very much appreciate her involvement,” he said.
Daily Herald reporter Anne Burris covered William’s’ successful efforts to keep gun stores out of Arlington Heights. “She was tenacious and tireless,” Burris recalls.
Years later, Burris befriended her, and donated books to the school library that Williams created while in the Peace Corps in Jamaica. “It was never enough to just teach kids. She had to give them what they needed to learn,” she added.
After she retired, Tem and Larry, her husband of 60 years, pursued Tikun Olam all over the world,” David said. His parents volunteered through the Peace Corps in Jamaica, the American Jewish World Service in Cambodia, and JUF and its overseas partners in Israel.
Williams also loved traveling — to Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East — as well as biking, swimming, and spending time outdoors.
Thelma Bess “Tem” Williams, (nee Ruvinsky), was the beloved wife of Larry, the loving mother of Kimberly Klapperich, and Mark, David and Daniel Williams. The cherished Baubbie of 11, she was the beloved aunt of many. Memorial donations may be made to JUF. Services were arranged by Shalom Memorial Funeral Home, with interment at Shalom Memorial Park.
