Obituaries

ESTHER SANDERS
   It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Esther Sanders on Friday, May 20, 2016, at the age of 94 years.   Remaining to cherish Esther’s memory are her son David; daughter-in-law Isilda; Isilda’s mother, Maria; and a vast number of family and close friends. She was predeceased by her husband Harry and daughter Patricia.   Esther was born in Broughshane, Northern Ireland, in 1922. As the only child of Thomas and Martha Davidson, Esther immigrated to Canada as a child and settled in Manitoba. She was the first of her family to attend University and graduated from the Faculty of Education at United College (now known as the University of Winnipeg) in 1943. She was also an accomplished musician, playing violin with the St. James Pops Orchestra in her younger years. Esther married Harry Sanders and settled in the Deer Lodge area of St. James where she raised her daughter Patricia and son David.    Esther was a long-time member of St. James Presbyterian Church and valued the lifetime of friendships she made there. She loved to travel and made numerous trips to Great Britain, Europe, east and west coasts of Canada, New Zealand and Hawaii. As she aged, Esther preferred ocean cruises and letting the scenery change daily as the cruise ship moved from port to port. Since the early fifties, every summer was spent at the family cottage at Falcon Lake. The “Lake” held a special place in her heart.   As an educator and counsellor in the St. James School Division, Esther touched the lives of thousands of students and will live on through the wisdom and encouragement she gave to generations of people. Even in her later years she was keen to talk with young people about their dreams and aspirations.    A private service will be held for family and close friends, with interment in the family plot in Clandeboye, Manitoba.    In lieu of flowers, those moved to remember Esther are invited to contribute to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, 6 Donald Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3L 0K6, Canadian Cancer Society, Manitoba Division, 193 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3C 2B7 or a charity of their choosing.   Wojcik’s Funeral Chapels & Crematorium, Winnipeg, 2157 Portage Avenue, 204.897.4665 www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com