Esther Irene Wandel

Esther Irene Wandel

Esther was a Christmas baby, born December 25 1928 in Fresno, California. She was one of four sisters, the youngest of the Berkeley girls. Raised mainly in the Tacoma, WA area, Esther graduated from Lincoln High School in 1948. Married to George in 1950, they moved to Seattle, WA eventually settling in the Edmonds, WA area. Esther was a well known grocery checker for over twenty years with loyal customers following her from Grocery Boys to Safeway in Lynnwood, WA. Her memory of faces and families was truly amazing and her personality made everyone want to stand in her line. She took great pride in her family and being a wonderful homemaker. Esther and George were active in the UniSound Yacht Club when they were boating and found dry land for golfing at the Nile Temple Golf Club. Esther loved being part of the Nile Ladies Club and was a dedicated golfer. For a little lady she had a great swing. Her hobbies included sewing, ceramics, gardening and baking. Renowned for her Wesson Oil Cake and strawberry jams, she loved nothing more than a crowd to cook for. She leaves behind not just great memories, but recipes for many family favorites. Her garden was a joy, reflected in the colorful plants and flowers she carefully chose. In their later years Esther and George became snowbirds, escaping the rainy winters for the sunny courses in Sun Lakes, Arizona. She was never happier than when the sun was shining and she could be outside. Always a great lady, Esther will be truly missed.
Esther is survived by her husband of 61 years, George Wandel; as well as her daughter, Sandy and husband, John McDonald, and their children, Meagan and MacKenzie and her son, Steven and wife, Christine, along with their children, Brent, Cindie (Dave) and Connie; as well as great grandchildren, Wyatt, MaKayla and Avery. While her sisters, Leona and Rose, predeceased her, she leaves her sister, Rachel; and many nieces and nephews.
Esther's memorial service will be held at 12:00 noon, Friday May 13 at the Nile Golf Course and Shrine Center, 6601 244th Street SW, Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043, with a luncheon to follow. The family internment will precede the memorial at 11:00 a.m. at Edmonds Memorial Cemetery. There will be a viewing from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Thursday, May 12 at Becks Funeral Home, 405 Fifth Avenue South, Edmonds, 98020 and a digital guest book may be signed at www.becksfuneralhome.com.
Remembrances may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children or Alzheimer's Association in Seattle.