ESTHER GESSER

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ESTHER GESSER On February 7, 2016, Esther Malca Gesser, with her daughter Sarah at her side, passed away at the Simkin Centre at the age of 84. Esther was predeceased by her wonderful husband Hymie last year. She is survived by her children, Isaac, Sarah, and Avi, and by her son-in-law Jeff and her daughter-in-law Brook, as well as her grandchildren Sadie, Mae, Courtney, Lexi and Amber. Esther Shtern was born in Poland in 1931, and with her father, mother, and brother, fled to Montreal in 1936. There she met a brilliant young scientist, and the two of them were married in 1952 and they spent the next 62 years together. Esther was sweet, and lively, full of strong opinions, and stubborn. Devoted to her family, her community and her religion, she loved to read and talk about philosophy, Judaism, literature, art, and history. She wrote a book of beautiful poetry. She spoke English, French, Yiddish and Hebrew. She was the perfect complement to Hymie, whose interests and knowledge tilted heavily to things you could measure. Esther was the dreamer, who wanted her children to read important things, and believed that our lives were gifts to be celebrated, and shared with God, until the coming of the Messiah. Hymie was the pragmatist, and the adventurer, who put food on the table, made sure his children had skills that prepared them to navigate the world, and used his big brain to make a difference by solving important problems in science and technology. They traveled the world together, often as guests of the State, as Hymie gave lectures on things like saving energy through alternative fuels and preserving fresh water using semi-permeable membranes. And when he was done with his talks, Esther dragged him to museums and galleries and made sure he brought back something interesting for the kids. And now, after a brief separation, Hymie and Esther are back where they belong, together. Talking to each other in Yiddish so others around them can't understand. Reminding each other of past adventures (and correcting each other as to what really happened). And telling stories they recently heard that the other would find interesting. They were proud of their children and grandchildren, and of the lives that they lived, and of the small part of the world that they left better for their being in it. And, once again, taking care of each other. Thank you to the team from Realcare who took care of Mom for months, while she lived at home by herself, and to the staff at the Simkin Centre, especially Weinberg 2, for their kind care over the last few months. Funeral services took place on February 9, 2016. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Herzilia-Adas Yeshurun Synagogue, 620 Brock St., or a charity of your choice.
Publish Date: Feb 13, 2016

ESTHER GESSER We are sad to announce the passing of Esther Gesser on February 7, 2016. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, February 9 at 10:30 a.m. at the Chesed Shel Emes at 1023 Main St. with a graveside ceremony to follow at the Hebrew Sick Cemetery at 2605 McPhillips St. Longer obituary to follow.
Publish Date: Feb 9, 2016

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 13, 2016