Eva William's eye for beauty was extraordinary.
Eva Kathryn Tarnower Williams was born September 9, 1953 in Topeka, Kansas, and passed away September 22, 2010. She was the second of four children born to William and Doris Tarnower. She graduated from Kansas University in 1975 with a B.A. Degree in Classical Antiquities and was, the same year, married to Roger Williams. They had a son, Evan Williams, while living in London, England, where she was studying calligraphy/bookbinding at the William Morris House.
Eva and her son, Evan, returned to Topeka and she devoted much of the rest of her life to raising her son and to her professional life as an educator. She briefly designed cards for the Hallmark Company. Eva taught calligraphy, and numerous friends and family members enjoyed her personalized cards and notes.
For several years Eva and Evan lived in Fort Scott, Kansas, where she worked as an Elementary School teacher and earned an M.A. in Education. Eva was later hired as principal at Magdalene Catholic Grade School in Wichita, Kansas, and while there, her leadership skills flourished. She was acknowledged with many awards for the extraordinary service she provided for that school.
Eva moved to Kansas City to accept a position as Principal with Nativity Catholic School. During recent years, she worked at the University of St. Mary as Director of the Education Department.
Continual themes in Eva's life included diverse activities: devotion to family, especially her son Evan; music (playing the flute and guitar), literature, poetry, fine food, a desire for learning and sharing her knowledge, and outdoor activities including horseback riding as a youth, and bicycle riding and running as an adult.
She is survived by her son Evan Williams, as well as her mother, Doris Tarnower, her brother Pete Tarnower, sisters Jean Vieux and Amy Tarnower-Oczon, nephew Bill Vieux, and nieces Ellen Kloss, Laura London, Anne Vieux, Kimberly Vieux, and Claire Oczon.
A Memorial Gathering for friends and family will be held on Sunday, October 3, 2010 at Aldersgate Village, Topeka, Kansas from 1:00-3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to a scholarship fund established in her name, designated for those pursuing a Master's Degree in Education at The University of St. Mary, Attn: Office of the President, 4100 South 4th Street, Leavenworth, Kansas 66048.