Maria Teresa Williams

Maria Teresa Williams, Age 74, from Visalia California, passed away with family by her side on August 11th, 2023 from a two and a half year battle with cancer. Born Maria Teresa Giannandrea in Putignano Italy on April 18, 1949 to Vito and Grazia (Giotta) Giannandrea. Teresa is the only daughter of 5 children, brothers Louie, Lorenzo, Frank, and Joe Giannandrea. The family moved here from Italy in 1955.

Teresa graduated from Redwood High School in 1967 and attended College Of The Sequoias for a short time. Many of you may know her from working at Don McWilliams Men’s Store, Security Pacific Bank, Chicago and First American Title Companies, and Kaweah Delta Hospital.

In 1970 Teresa met Ken Williams when she was picking up her brother Frank from work at Westing House where he worked with Ken. Teresa told her brother Frank she was going to marry that guy one day, and she did. Teresa married Ken in March of 1971 and has been married for 52 years. They had 5 children, daughters Julie, twins Michele and Rochele, Jolene, and son Jeff.

Teresa is preceded in death by twin daughters Michele and Rochele, daughter Jolene, her parents Vito and Grazia Giannandrea, brother Louie and his wife Italia Giannandrea, and sister-in-law Genevieve (Babs) Giannandrea.

She is survived by her husband Ken Williams, daughter Julie (Ryan) Iskenderian, son Jeff (Kassie) Williams, grandchildren Whitney and Ian Iskenderian, Brooklyn and Brayden Williams. Brothers Lorenzo (Connie) Giannandrea, Frank Giannandrea, Joe (Theresa) Giannandrea, and many nieces and nephews.

Teresa had a passion for beautiful flowers and plants and loved to garden around her house. She had a great sense of humor, a beautiful smile, and an infectious laugh. She loved living life even through hard times. Teresa was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother and lived and loved life to the fullest for her family. She put the needs of her family first, often many times before hers and she would not have had it any other way. She loved her grandchildren so much and would do everything and anything for them. She taught all 4 of them how to swim, ride bikes, and even cook special Italian recipes. Teresa and Ken loved taking the family camping to the beach and mountains creating special memories throughout the years.

The family would like to thank Dr. Sanjai Sharma and oncology nurse Anna at Sequoia Regional Cancer Center for taking great care of Teresa. For making her feel welcome, safe, and comfortable. Thank you to her home health nurse Marianne for checking on her weekly and to Bristal Hospice for all your help and care.

Graveside Services will be given by Father Rod on Friday September 29th, 2023 starting at 11:00 AM at Visalia Public Cemetery, 1300 W. Goshen Ave, Visalia CA 93291

Celebration Of Life will be held on Saturday September 30th, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Amigos Restaurant & Cantina banquet room, 5113 W. Walnut Ave, Visalia CA 93277

Remembrances – In Lieu of flowers and in honor of Teresa, the family requests donations to be made to the American Cancer Society.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.millerchapel.com for the Williams family.