Wilma R. TeMaat, age 90, was born January 26, 1921, and died November 27, 2011. She is survived by son, Tom TeMaat of Camarillo, daughter, Lisa TeMaat of Lakewood, sister, Marcelle Keehne of North Hollywood, and many nieces and nephews. A longtime resident of Long Beach, Wilma and her family were one of the first to move into the El Dorado Park Estates neighborhood when building began in 1963, and she remained there for the next 48 years. She was an active member of the St. Maria Goretti parish.

Wilma was born and raised on a farm in Monett, Missouri, where she attended the prairie school and Monett High School. Upon graduation from high school she attended a local business school where she learned the secretarial skills that she later used throughout her career in the aircraft industry.

At age 21, Wilma moved to California with her older sister Marcelle and they lived together in the Long Beach area. She contributed to the war effort by working at North American Aircraft Company during WWII. During this time she also did some modeling and enjoyed some of the local nightlife, attending concerts at places such as the Palladium and the Sky Room.

She married Fred TeMaat in 1948 and they were married until he passed away in 1986.
They bought their first home in Lakewood in 1950. Their son, Tom, was born in 1952 and they adopted their daughter, Lisa, in 1957. Wilma returned to work in 1969 at Douglas Aircraft Company (later McDonnell Douglas), where she worked until her retirement in 1983.

She enjoyed spending time with her children and was a veteran of seven cruises.
A kind woman and loving mother who was devoted to her family and friends, she will be greatly missed. Visitation and Rosary Thursday, Dec. 1, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at All Souls Mortuary, 4400 Cherry Avenue in Long Beach. Mass and interment at All Souls 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 2, with Fr. John Schiavone officiating. All Souls Mortuary Funeral Directors, 562-424-8601. ________________________________________