It is with sad hearts that we share the news of the passing of our Mom, Esther, after her long journey with dementia. She passed away in Picton Ontario 15June2021, where she had resided for 13 years, surrounded by family.
Esther was born in Dryden and enjoyed her life as a real part of this community. Lifelong friendships were made from her early days in school. These carried through marriage, raising her family and a long work and volunteer history.
She met and married her husband in 1952 and moved to Port Arthur where they started their family, returning to Dryden in 1956 to live next door to where she grew up and with her parents right across the road. This was perfect as her family were central to all she valued. Our Dryden family was extended by cousins from southern Ontario and we all loved and benefitted from our annual summer visits.
Esther worked for many years for the Dryden Credit Union and at the Dryden Town office. She enjoyed a lifetime of memories at Amesdale, growing up camping there and then building her beloved camp, which could magically expand to host all. This might have been her very favourite spot, especially when surrounded by a crowd of hungry family to feed.
From involvement in the North Dryden Community Club, First United Church Unit 5, local Brownies and Red Cross, to years serving the Dryden Hospital Auxiliary and as a member of the Hospital Board, Esther left a positive mark and always set an example of involvement and giving. This was in addition to an active social life hosting house parties, as a member of her bowling team, and mixed & ladies curling and let’s not forget the many late nights playing games and cards at that kitchen table.
Mom loved travel visiting both Canadian coasts, with Dad road tripping from Dryden to the Maritimes and another summer enjoying the scenes from Dryden to Vancouver. Her trip destinations typically included water views and on one trip to Barbados Mom was introduced to the steel drums and has been a fan of the Merrymen ever since. Primarily though, travel was to be near family. Mom spent many early morning hours riding the Greyhound to Winnipeg to catch flights to visit us in Toronto, Vancouver, Springfield, IL or Austin, TX. She never missed a family event and we were always lucky enough to spend holidays together.
Esther was predeceased by her parents Lucy and Silas Cole, her beloved sister Virginia Olson and brother Gordon (Spike) Cole.
Feeling the sadness Esther’s loss brings, her children Cathy Holloway, Michael Boyce and Maureen Boyce, 4 grandchildren and their partners Eric (Alex), Erin, Timothy (Alana) Holloway and Alana Boyce-Chung and two great grandchildren Teagan and Elizabeth Holloway as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Given COVID restrictions and ongoing family health concerns, Esther’s celebration of life service has been delayed to FRI, 06AUG2021 at First United Church of Dryden @ 11 am CT with interment following at the Dryden Cemetery.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85925382961?pwd=MGRtdEx1S2ZCdFBqdlVOS1RGdDREUT09
If friends desire donations, the family suggests the Dryden Regional Health Centre and may be made through the Stevens Funeral Home, P.O. Box 412, Dryden P8N 2Z1. Condolences may be posted on Stevens Funeral Homes Facebook or at www.stevensfuneralhomes.ca.