Long time Whidbey Island resident, Esther Erikson, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2013. She was surrounded by her devoted family. Esther was born on January 25, 1915 in Port Williams, Wash. She attended schools in Sequim, Mossyrock and graduated from Langley High School in 1933.

Esther was married to Randolph Erikson on May 28, 1934 in Sequim. She was a wonderful mom, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother and aunt. She and Ran raised their four children on Whidbey Island.

Esther was an active member and teacher at the Woodland Sunday School in the Maxwelton area and later attended the Christian & Missionary Alliance Church, the Little Brown Church, and Trinity Lutheran Church, all on the south end of Whidbey Island.

Esther was extremely active in various organizations, including being a Campfire Leader, Cub Scout Den Mother, a member of Neighbors Friend, the Aircraft Warning Service during WWII, the Maxwelton Community Club and numerous activities associated with the South Whidbey Schools.

Esther loved sewing, gardening, crocheting, quilting, supporting and attending her children’s, grandchildren’s, and great-grandchildren’s various activities. Esther was preceded in death by her husband Randolph in 1981.

Survivors include her four children: John (Janice) Erikson, Pat (Dave) Martinson, Sharon Moll, and Gus (Lori) Erikson; eight grandchildren: Jodi (Andre) Erikson-Muldrew, Jana Erikson, Erik (Jodie) Moll, Melissa, aka Stella (Pat) Moll-Nevins, Matt (Stephanie) Erikson, Thomas Sr. (Thalia) Erikson, Katie Erikson and Cole Erikson; thirteen great-grandchildren: Jordan Muldrew, Jacob and Emily Bisenius, Garrison Moll, Ella, Miles and Sophie Erikson, Thomas Jr. “JT”, Nia, Bethany and Kc Erikson, and Chase and Meadow Ross. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to her many caregivers over the past few years, including the caring staff at Maple Ridge Assisted Living, Trinity Lutheran Church and Kathy Zimmerman.

A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Freeland (18341 SR 525) at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 13.