Esther H. Goldman

October 6th, 2022

Esther was a grand gal! We always enjoyed her holiday card and personal note. We will miss seeing her at family gatherings and hearing about her from our son-in-law, Ron.
Sincerely,
Mary and Bill Stonebraker

~Bill and Mary Stonebraker
~Friends, Eldora, Iowa

October 6th, 2022

While we were not able to attend the funeral in person, we appreciated the on-line service which helped us feel that we were in the room with all of you. There are so many we have not been able to see due to Covid and my recent kidney transplant . While funerals are a difficult time for those of us left behind to mourn the ones we love, they are also a time for many to re-connect. It was a comfort to “see” all of you.

I recall when I was young and I would go to Aunt Esther’s house for the evening–usually Saturday night so my parents could have a night out. We would eat a fabulous meal, play cards, and watch tv. The best part of the meal, of course was the dessert! I loved being able to go over to her house when we watched the Ms America pageant. She loved the sparkle, glamorous outfits and all the talented women who competed for the crown!

As the youngest child, by many years, she always made me feel welcome at family gatherings. This little kindness meant a lot to a pre-teen.

Her photography skills were stellar. Whenever we came into Chicago for a family visit or event she’d herd us all into a group as we were chatting and catching up to snap a photo. It never failed that a week or so upon our return home an envelope would arrive in the mail with copies of all the photos she had taken. She welcomed Niki and her parents and sister into the Neems family, never forgetting anyone’s name or story. And always asked about Sophie–the activities, interests and travel she enjoyed. Aunt Esther was a great conversationalist, always asking questions and listening more than she spoke of herself. What a joy to be in her presence.

She was a wonderful woman, we will miss her dearly, but we are so lucky to have been part of her life.

A donation has been made in Esther’s honor to the Emma Goldman Clinic, an Iowa City women’s health care organization.

The donation has been made by us as well as Niki’s parents–Bill and Mary Stonebraker of Eldora, Iowa.

Sending love and comfort to all of you,
Ron, Niki and Sophie Neems

~Ron, Niki, Sophie Neems
~Nephew, Iowa City, IA