Laura Gilbert (Tuesday, 15 February 2022 11:42)

I still have the letter that Esther wrote me when my mother passed away. She wrote to me with such tenderness and care, offering her maternal wing as a comfort. She was there for everyone in her orbit, with warmth, empathy and a great sense of humor. What a gift to have known her - and a blessing that Laura, Jan, Paul and grandkids all had so many years of her wit, wisdom and love.

“But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep
Turns again home.

Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
When I embark…”

Margery Kreitman (Sunday, 07 November 2021 11:29)

IM so very touched by the beautiful memorial her family have her today. Esther was a true freind. Unwavering. I met her after Charles and she got married. I was already friends with Charles for several years previously. Esther and I clicked immediately. I could talk with her about anything and she and Charles were there as my true friends since that time. We spoke regularly by phone and of course Charles was always there as she knew I wanted to speak with them both and she'd call him to come to he phone. I visited many times over the years from the Bay Area and stayed at their home. We loved going for great dinner and to theater, as she also knew I was a writer and performer and wanted to share all that with me. Yes, she was so kind and accepting and supported me in whatever endeavor or what ever life issues I was dealing with including as others have said, coming out as a lesbian. Esther was extraordinary insightful, kind, funny, and loving. I feel extremely fortunate to have had her friendship for so many years of my life. She and Charles really helped me grow up though that was never their intention. It was always with an open heart and without any agenda that she and Charles as well offered me their wisdom and heartfelt support. I only wish I had known that she was a writer and feel like I was so caught up with my own issues that I never asked about her. I did know she and Charles did Improv and acting in classes and enjoyed it a lot. Hearing her poems and writing now, I am overwhelmed with how talented she was and how rich her writing is. Most definitely she deserves a published book of her work that the greater public could read and savor. With pictures form her life. She was so beautiful.
I will miss her as everyone will who knew and loved her. There is a big hole in my heart to have lost Charles and now Esther. As they aged I knew we were coming to this point in the near future, yet at the same time it seemed impossible. They are gone now but not forgotten but any stretch of the imagination. Esther, thank you for being my freind and for all the generous gifts you bestowed upon me.