E. Marie Willems, 83 of De Pere died Thursday September 26, 2013 at Ledgeview Nursing Center. Born December 13, 1930 to the late Clarence and Eileen (Vander Heiden) Zittlow in the Town of Wrightstown. She married Carroll Richard Willems on September 1, 1951 in De Pere. Marie's life was dedicated to her 9 children and many grandchildren. Marie was an avid Gardner, and loved to socialize with her friends, such as playing Bridge and singing with the Sweet Adelines and her church choir. She expressed her love to many through her crafts of ceramics, sewing, flower arranging and needle works. She worked lifelong in retail, including many years with the White Store in women's apparel as a buyer. Alzheimer's took her slowly away, but her sweet smile was always present, and even at the end. NO husband has given more tender selfless care than Carroll to his beloved Marie. Surviving are her husband Carroll, Children; Allen (Connie) Willems, Two Rivers, Mary Hopf, De Pere, Lois Forehand, Florida, Steve (Kathy) Willems, Marshfield, Theresa (Jon) Arneson, Baraboo, Lisa (Dan) Gorr, Allouez, Nora Morris, De Pere, Wayne (Jenni) Willems, Arizona, and Glen (Leslie) Willems, De Pere. Marie is also survived by her sister; Linda De Kelver, Evansville, and her brother in law and sister in law Quinton (Dorothy Mae) Willems, De Pere, as well as being blessed with 23 grandchildren, and 18 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Marie is reunited with those gone before her, 2 infant daughters Laurie Jean and Gail Marie, son in law Craig Forehand, infant grandson Paul Forehand, granddaughter Beth Birr, sister and brother in law Earl and Myrtle Minten, and brother in law Ronald De Kelver. Friends may call at the RYAN FUNERAL HOME 305 N. Tenth Street in De Pere from 4 8pm on Sunday (TODAY). Visitation will continue after 9am on Monday September 30, 2013 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church 220 S. Michigan Street De Pere until the Mass of Christian Burtial at 10:30am with Fr. Judah Pigon MF officiating. Please go to www.ryanfh.com to send online condolences to the family. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund will be established. Thank You to Unity Hospice, you made this part of the journey easier. Also special thanks to the amazing care givers at Ledgeview Nursing Center.