Linda L. Williams

Linda L. Williams, age 70, of Rio Rancho, New Mexico (formerly of Holland, Ohio), died Saturday, April 17th, 2021, after a 16-month battle with Gallbladder Cancer.

She was born in Toledo, Ohio October 25, 1950, to Jane (Hoffman) and Erwin “Erv” Lorenz. Linda graduated from Rogers High School in 1968. It was in Drivers Ed classes at Macomber High School where she met the love of her life, Gary Williams. They married on August 7, 1971 and took an 8-week tour of the western United States in 1974 before deciding to lay down roots in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1975.

A life-long educator and lover of learning, Linda completed her Bachelor of Education at the University of Toledo, Master of Arts and Education Specialist from the University of New Mexico working as a Librarian at Toledo Public Schools and Springfield Local Schools in Ohio, and as a Librarian, Teacher, and Elementary Principal at Bernalillo Public Schools in New Mexico over a 48-year career in education.

She would admit to being high maintenance, spoiled rotten, and blessed throughout her life. Given the title of “Miss Perfect” by her siblings in jest, she was often considered the glue holding family and friend groups together. In addition to being a life-long learner, Linda was a researcher, always seeking out the best travel deals and shopping bargains. She was a human lint roller for the left out and left behind. Linda saw the best in people, even when they could not see it in themselves. Her libraries, administrative offices, and after-school spaces were filled with students and coworkers who typically occupied the outskirts of the social hierarchy. Linda was a reluctant role model and persistent encourager. If she had advice, resources, or support, she was giving it whether you wanted it or not. The southwest was where Linda belonged with the mountains to her back facing the sunset, clothed with strength and dignity, margarita in hand, laughing at the days to come. Ultimately, she wanted those who are reading this to be rejoicing in her salvation rather than mourning her loss.

Linda was preceded in death by her mother, Jane (Hoffman) Lorenz; her “second mother,” Linda “Lin” (Laux) Lorenz; and her father, Erwin “Erv” Lorenz.

She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Gary, of whom she said their relationship was the most gratifying part of her life. She is also survived by her children, Eric and Abigail “Abby” Williams, and Shara Williams; her grandchildren, Calvin, and Oliver Williams; her siblings, Annette (Lorenz) and Terry Loar, Donald “Don” and Mary Lorenz, Kirt and Sue Tabbert, and Kathy (Tabbert) Kessler as well as all of the students, educators, and friends she’s impacted throughout the years.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, June 26th, 2021, in Albuquerque, New Mexico at the Vesel/Suknot house and in Holland, Ohio on Saturday, August 7th at the Loar house.

Memorial contributions may be made “In Memory of Linda Williams” to Sagebrush Church, 6440 Coors Blvd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120.