Celmi Brenda Williams

Celmi Brenda Williams was born February 18, 1948, in Watsonville, and passed away on June 23, 2021, at Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz; surrounded by her family.

Celmi was the oldest of 5 children born to Dan and Mary Louise Zumaran. Celmi graduated from Watsonville High School in 1966. She then attended Cabrillo College where she met and married her lifelong sweetheart, Stanley Williams; they were married 49 years. From there she attended UCSC, attaining her teaching credentials, followed by a transfer to San Jose State for her Master's, and transferring once again to UC Santa Barbara for her double Master's in Administration of Education. Celmi had a passion for teaching, she would say "This is not a job, it's a career, I'm educating our future leaders". She started her career teaching at Calabasas Elementary School, and then onto Bradley Elementary School; 35 years with PVUSD. Celmi also taught classes occasionally at Cabrillo College, and was one of the first pioneers for Migrant Education in the Pajaro Valley.

Celmi loved to dance, cook, entertain, and loved to bowl. Celmi was a member of The Native Daughters of The Golden West, The Degree of Pocahontas, and The Grange. Celmi retired from teaching in 2008 and resided back and forth between Santa Cruz County and Modoc County. Family was very important to Celmi, you would often hear her say "Family First" as she took great pride in surrounding herself with loved ones; family for her was #1.

Celmi was preceded in death by her mother and father. Celmi is survived by her husband Stan Williams, son Daniel Williams, daughter Catherine Talbott; grandchildren, Alyson, Sabrina and Sean Williams, Jesse, and Berkeley Talbott.

A celebration of life will be held on August 8th for family and friends. In lieu of flowers please send donations to UCSF Benioff Children's Oncology and St. Jude's Hospital. Mehl's Colonial Chapel was entrusted with the funeral arrangements.

Published in The Pajaronian · July 21, 2021