Kathleen Williams Teorey

Beloved wife, mother, sister, and friend, Kathleen was known for her steady kindness, her deep love of family, and the quiet way she showed up for others—consistently, generously, and without hesitation.

Born in St. Paul, Minnesota, Kathleen grew up during World War II and carried with her a treasure of stories from those years—memories that later became part of the family’s shared history. She attended the University of Minnesota, where she met the love of her life, Dale Teorey. After they married, they moved to Los Angeles, California, where they welcomed their two sons, Ron Teorey and Robert Teorey. In time, Kathleen and Dale returned to Minnesota, determined to raise their children close to home and in a place they felt would offer them the best life. They ultimately made their home on Lake Johanna in Arden Hills, Minnesota—a house that became a gathering place and a favorite backdrop to so many family moments.

Kathleen was preceded in death by her husband, Dale Teorey. She is lovingly remembered by her sons, Ron Teorey and Robert Teorey; her parents, Rodger and Clara Williams; her brother, Jim Williams; her sister, Fran Williams; and many extended family members and friends who were fortunate to be part of her life.

Through Dale’s barbershop quartet singing, Kathleen and their family formed lasting friendships that became an important part of their lives. Those relationships brought years of companionship, shared celebrations, and a sense of community that Kathleen valued deeply. She had a gift for making people feel welcome and included, and she treated friends as family.

Kathleen’s greatest personal passion was painting. She specialized in oil paintings—often nature scenes filled with trees, water, and the quiet beauty of the outdoors. Her work was so strong that she participated in art fairs and sold her paintings, but just as often she chose to give them away. Many loved ones now have a piece of her artistry in their homes, a lasting reminder of her eye for beauty and her generous spirit.

Above all, Kathleen was the “classic mom” in the best sense of the phrase—steadfast, caring, and always ready to help. Her children meant everything to her, and she built her life around showing up for the people she loved. Whether offering practical support, sharing what she had, or simply being present in hard moments, she was someone others could count on. Kathleen’s love, stories, and artwork will be missed, and her legacy will live on in the family she cherished and the many lives she touched.