Kathryn “Kay” (MacMaster) Willard, 91, of Tewksbury, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at Palm Springs Post Acute Rehabilitation Center in Chelmsford.
Born in Woburn on March 14, 1934, Kay was the daughter of Daniel Joseph and Elizabeth Ann (Billingsley) MacMaster. She carried her New England roots proudly throughout her life.
In 1953, she married Norman Staley Williams, and together they raised four children. After Norman’s passing in 1987, she later married Donald E. Willard, who also predeceased her.
Kay owned and operated Kay’s Sandwich Shop in Monroe, Oklahoma, where her homemade soups and New England–style subs became local favorites. After returning to Massachusetts, she worked in real estate with Carlson Real Estate and Merrill Lynch Realty in Tewksbury, known for her professionalism, honesty, and care for others.
She is survived by her children Kevin Lee Williams, Laura Lee Tumenas, and Robert Lee Williams; grandchildren Jamie, Phoenix, and Jack McAllister; Erica Cullen and Cassie Tumenas; Christopher Williams, Jeff Poor, Kyle Devaney; and Karisa and Kaylee Williams of Cypress, CA; along with great-grandchildren Khloe Cullen, Emerson Lyndsey and Carson Williams. She was predeceased by her daughter Suzanne Lee McAllister.
Kay will be remembered for her strength, humor, and generosity, and for the love she shared with her family and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, November 9, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Tewksbury Funeral Home, 975 Main Street, Tewksbury, MA 01876.
?A graveside service will follow at Tewksbury Cemetery Monday, November 10, 2025 at 11 a.m., where her ashes will be laid to rest beside her late husband, Norman Staley Williams.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers at Palm Springs Post Acute Rehabilitation Center for their compassion and care.