Mary Theresa (Zender) Williamson

Mary Theresa (Zender) Williamson went home to be with her God and Savior on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at the age of 99. After nearly a century of faith, hard work, love, and devotion to family, she passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home in Kendall, Washington.

Mary was born on December 19, 1926, in Bellingham, Washington, to Jacob and Mary Catherine Zender. She enjoyed growing up on the family farm in the Kendall area alongside her one sister and nine brothers.

Mary attended Mount Baker High School, graduating in 1944. While a member of the cheerleading squad, she first laid eyes on No. 11 from the rival Nooksack Valley team, Lee A. Williamson Sr. She married the love of her life on May 22, 1946, at St. Peter Catholic Church in Columbia Valley.

Mary devoted her life to her family and her faith. She lovingly supported her husband and raised their 13 children, sharing her wisdom, guidance, and deep faith with each of them. She was an active member of St. Peter Catholic Church in Deming, Washington, where she participated in the Altar Society. She was also deeply involved with WATCI and the special-needs community in Whatcom County.

Mary and Lee treasured their family and the many generations that followed. They enjoyed dancing, dining out, traveling, reading, and, most of all, simply being “together!”

Mary lost the love of her life on November 16, 2008. She continued caring for their youngest daughter, Debra Lynn, until Debra’s passing in 2020. Mary remained devoted to her growing family, finding joy in spending time with her children and welcoming each new generation of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

One of the family’s most cherished traditions was the annual “Grandma Mary’s Christmas Party.” Generations gathered for a potluck, a gift exchange, and games of bingo that continued late into the night until all the gifts were gone. These special gatherings created treasured memories that will live on for years to come.

Mary was known for her familiar words of farewell: “Goodbye, God bless you,” “Don’t feed the bears,” and “Keep on trucking.” These sayings, like so many of her traditions, will forever bring smiles and fond memories to those who loved her.

One of her final joys was sharing a luncheon with her sister, Kay, and six sisters-in-law.

Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lee; her sons, Thomas Joseph, James Jacob, and Lee Anthony; her daughters, Debra Lynn and Jean Marleen Wilford; her grandsons, Sean Wilford, Tyler Galbraith, Cameron Wilson, and Darren Fendrick; her parents, Jacob and Mary Catherine Zender; her parents-in-law, Lee and Ethel Williamson; her nine brothers; and several other family members.

She is survived by her children, Larry (Mary), Sara (Jesse) Galbraith, Ann (Les) Nelson, Susan (John Sr.) Horsmon, Steven (Charlene), Linda Wilson, Daniel (Teresa), and Joan; and her son-in-law, Tom Wilford. She is also survived by her sister, Kay Cox (Dennis); six sisters-in-law; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Mary’s life was a testament to faith, perseverance, and unwavering devotion to family. The values she lived by, the love she shared, and the generations she helped shape will remain her enduring legacy. Though she will be deeply missed, her influence will continue through the family she cherished and the faith that guided her throughout her life.

We were blessed with the best!

A vigil prayer service will be held at St. Peter Catholic Church on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Peter Catholic Church on Friday, October 30, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. A reception will follow in the church hall, with burial afterward at St. Peter Catholic Cemetery. Her nephew, Father Gary Zender, will officiate.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter Catholic Church, the Kendall Fire Department, or a charity of your choice.

We love you and will miss you forever.