Celia Williams, 85, passed peacefully on January 26, 2017 surrounded by her loving family.

She was born Helen Cecelia Gershkoff on April 17, 1931 in San Diego. Raised in Santa Barbara by her grandmother and aunt, she preferred to be called Celia. There she met and married her husband of 41 years, Richard Lee Williams.

Celia was devoted to her husband and family. Nothing made her happier than to be with us, (except perhaps eating chocolate.) She spent most of her time doting on grandchildren, babysitting, attending countless school functions, graduations, birthdays, and holidays. She was thoughtful and caring, and deeply loved each one of us.

In her spare time she loved to garden, watch soap operas, and read. She was a very good cook and baker, having worked at Santa Ana School district making the cinnamon rolls and cookies for the school cafeterias. We always looked forward to her crispy cookies, deviled eggs, pumpkin pies, and fudge at Christmas.

Celia is survived by her three children Theodore (Rae) Williams, Douglas (Claudia) Williams, Donald (Ellen) Williams; her six grandchildren Kimberly (Larry) Anderson, Tim (Adriana) Williams, Carla (Greg) Banducci, Caramia (Brian) Millager, Austin Williams and Richard Williams; seven great-grandchildren, Cassandra Kopecky, Jacob Williams, Gianna Banducci, Logan Millager, Ava Banducci, Cheyenne Millager, and Amanda Millager; great-great grandchildren Caleb, Madeline, and Chloe (due soon); sister Lucille Tico and many nieces, nephews and friends.

A celebratory memorial service will be held Thursday, February 2, 2017 at 10:00 am at O'Connor Mortuary, Laguna Hills, CA. Celia will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband at El Toro Memorial Park at 1:00 p.m.