Name: Matilda Williams
Where do you live? West Orange, NJ
When did you move there? I used to live in Montclair, but I bought and moved to a little house in West Orange in 2016.
Where did you grow up? I was born and raised in Newark, NJ. I had my first apartment in 1973 in East Orange, NJ.
How do you make a living? OR What is your everyday passion? I retired from the United States Postal Service in 2003, and since 2000 I’ve been working for the Montclair Public Library as Senior Library Assistant. On the weekends I work for the Montclair Art Museum. My everyday passion is living life to the fullest and buying lottery tickets. I’m still waiting for my dollar and a dream. (LOL)
Coffee, tea or … ? I drink herbal tea with lemon every morning. It’s wonderful with fresh blueberries! Maybe twice a week I drink some Dunkin’ Donuts coffee.
What’s your idea of a perfect weekend day? I haven’t had a perfect weekend day in a long time. But when I am home, my two dogs TiTi and Trinket keep me busy.
What’s your favorite local restaurant? Vital on Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair.
What’s on your nightstand? Lavender spray and safe incense. I also have little dog biscuits for my dogs.
What are you listening to? I like to listen to all kinds of music: Gospel, Jazz, liteFM, and sometimes R&B.
What are your current indulgences? I love to get a full body massage at Massage Envy in Verona.
What talent you would most like to have? I’ve like to be able to make Peace in the World with my magic wand.
What’s the worst-kept (or best-kept!) secret about Montclair? When the little kids come into the library and say “Hi, Ms. Tilly, I love your story time!” That makes my day and makes me smile.
What do you hope they say about you at your funeral? She loved to smile, she loved her some clothes and shoes, and she was a people person. She was an effective community activist, loved helping people, and organized library events like Kwanzaa and Black History activities for the community.
My 4 yr old and I love Ms. Tilly at the MPL!