Maria Williams
June 21, 1956 - August 5, 2025
Alberta Maria Williams 69, of Malden, MA was born on June 21, 1956 in Manhattan New York to Annabelle and Willie E. Wirts. Maria was raised in Bronx New York where she attended William Howard High School and received her honorary high school diploma in 1974.
Maria married Joseph Williams on June 26, 1982. She is a proud mother of three. In 1987, Maria relocated to Boston, MA to provide a better life for her family.
Maria spent most years as a homemaker, but held a very important position as a foster parent. Maria opened her home in November of 1995 as a foster mother through the Department of Children & Family Services (formally known as DSS). She devoted her heart, time and love to care for children while providing a nurturing home when in need. In 2005 Maria was honored as exemplary foster parent of the year by DSS & Massachusetts Society for Prevention of Cruelty at the 19th annual Parent Recognition event held in Framingham, MA. Maria has done great community work throughout the City of Malden, MA. Her home was selected as one of the Malden Area Office’s Adolescent Pilot Project. From hot Independence Day celebrations to cold Christmas parades, Maria has worn many hats to bring cheer to her community. Her kindness touched countless lives, and her legacy will live on through the people she nurtured and inspired.
Maria enjoyed music, going dancing with family & friends, hosting game nights, and crafting diaper cakes & party favors for family & close friends.
Maria volunteered at Tafari Wraps for more than 20 years. She was known to have a green thumb and was considered a phytophile. She had the gift of nurturing plants from sickness to health and could make a withered flower bloom. She adored the feel of earth with her bare hands. In 2019, Maria had the opportunity to visit Africa & contribute in the mission of building a local church.
Maria will be remembered for her warm spirit, unwavering generosity, and the deep love she poured into her family and community.
Maria was preceded in death by her father Willie E. Wirts and brother William Wirts.
She is survived by mother Annabelle, children Chanel, Jovonne & Joseph Williams Jr. Maria gained four additional children, Tanisha, Latanya, Olympia, Adina & daughter-in-law Melissa. With great love and gratitude grandchildren Tiara, Takara, Tyrie, Tahj, Takhari, Terrell, Takeira, A’terra, Ny’ema, Jalissa, Joseph Williams III, July, Aja, Kamari, great grandchildren Amiya, Khy’zaela, Kyrie, and siblings Terrence, Andrea, Renee and Rashawn will cherish and hold her in their hearts forever.
A private celebration of her life will be held.