ESTHER IRENE WALDOW
March 27, 1929 ~ January 10, 2011
"She is remembered for her sweet tooth, quick wit,
flair for fashion, love of garage sales, clever poems and crafts,
and generous care packages she regularly sent to loved ones."
Esther Irene Waldow, 81, passed away on Monday, Jan. 10, 2011, at Vancouver, WA. She was born March 27, 1929, at Doty, WA. She was the third of six children born to Fred and Mae Nichols. She attended school at Chelatchie Prairie and Battle Ground High School.
Esther married Willis R. "Lucky" Waldow on June 16, 1949. After moving around to different states the first years of their marriage, they returned to live in Amboy, WA in 1960.
Esther was a stay-at-home mom for their three children until 1968, when she started her career with the Battle Ground School District as a teacher's aide at Amboy Elementary School. She became the secretary at Yacolt Elementary School, then transferred to Battle Ground High School, where she worked as the payroll administrator for the school district. One of her proudest accomplishments was receiving the Certified Employee of the Year Award in 1985. During these years, she loved to sew and play her organ.
Her diagnosis with Parkinson's disease in 1986 led her to take an early retirement. She endured the disease for 25 years, but never lost her sense of humor.
Esther is survived by her children, Carl Waldow, Lori (Richard) Reiman and David (Sandi) Waldow; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; sister, Daisy (Leo) Harteloo; and brothers, Vern (Arlene) Nichols, Tom (Pat) Nichols, Elmer (Evelyn) Nichols, and Bud (Jessie) Nichols; and many nieces and nephews. She had many caregivers over the years whom she treated like family and were important to her.
She lost her husband of 57 years in 2006.
Esther has been laid to rest next to her husband at Willamette National Veteran's Cemetery, Portland, OR. A celebration of her life is planned for a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to the Ray Hickey Hospice House, 2112 E. Mill Plain, Vancouver, WA, 98661.
Please sign Esther's guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
Dear Waldow family, May you have the blessings of warm memories of your mother at his time of sadness. She was a wonderful sweet lady who was very well liked by so many. I know she will be dearly missed by so many people.
Cathey Kirk Caldwell
January 25, 2011
Carl, Dave, and family.
We are so sorry to hear of Esther's passing. May god give you peace during this difficult time.
John & Tracy Winston
January 24, 2011
May memories ease your sorrow and time bring you peace. We are so sorry for your loss. Take good care of each other during this sad time. love,
Jim and Nancie Reiman
January 23, 2011
What a beautiful lady she was with so many accomplishments in life. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Jeanine and family
Jeanine Brigham
January 23, 2011
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