Esther Nelson Hallock

Hallock, Esther Nelson 98 June 10, 1916 Feb. 10, 2015 Born to Swedish immigrant parents June 10, 1916, in Duluth, Minn., Esther Nelson was raised treasuring her Swedish and American heritage. A pioneer spirit and true grit helped the family of 11 survive the loss of their farm in the great fire of 1918 that killed 500 people. Her humble beginnings, the Great Depression and faith in God instilled virtues that shaped her character and her lifelong zest for living. In 1938, she traveled to Portland and married her husband of 69 years, Leonard Hallock. While her children were young, Esther became a Scout leader for both Boys and Girls, coached the boys baseball team, served as a camp cook, taught Sunday school and became director of Vacation Bible School. In 1958, at age 42, she and Leonard sold their home and car to become career missionaries in the Belgian Congo, but the violent uprisings of 1960 forced the emergency evacuation of all women and children back to America. It was a year of fearful uncertainty before Leonard could join her in Portland. Their African experience gave them a passion for the Congolese, world missions and awakened an insatiable curiosity about the world. Over the years, they visited 34 countries and Esther became a correspondent extraordinaire, writing some 40 monthly letters to missionaries and new friends they met. In 1981, upon retirement, Len and Esther returned to the Congo (Zaire) to serve for two years. Esther excelled as bookkeeper and organized a reserve supply storehouse for short term workers out of left behind storage barrels filled with household goods from people unable to return to Congo. She wrote a greatly used "How to Live in Congo" guide to help new volunteers prepare for service. At age 68 until age 80, Len and "Es" assumed the volunteer role of full-time resident directors of Molalla Retreat, a 23-acre property then owned by their church. As administrator, Esther proved to be a woman before her time. Her recycling prowess was extolled in three feature stories in The Oregonian, long before there was general public awareness of recycling. Her hand painted "Organizational Flow Charts" were masterfully created, guiding groups in using the kitchen, pantry and tool shed. "No Child Left Behind" meant every kid could afford to come. Esther made work scholarships available and taught kids how to clear trails, mop floors, paint and make minor repairs. The Common Core curriculum was loving God, loving one another and embracing joy in living. The Oregonian writer named it "Molalla Retreat Paradise." Esther's knowledge of trees, birds and flowers made the nature trail a highlight for all ages. More importantly, she cared deeply about each person, with a keen ability to embrace the hurting, lonely and forgotten. Officially retired at 80, Esther became the church archivist and she organized the Sunday School Department supplies in what is now known as "Esther's Closet." Her last nine years at West Haven Care Home were happy and meaningful. Her caregivers became like family and her time devoted to handwritten letters and creating "Esther Originals," beautifully made cards that displayed her brilliant wit and wisdom. Ann- otated newspaper clippings and magazine articles tucked into repurposed greeting cards came in recycled envelopes, of course! Two nieces wrote her life story in "The Book of Esther," a vivid portrayal of a century of living. Esther cherished the past but her focus was on the future. In her last days, she was excited about the final trip she was about to take with Jesus to her heavenly home. Surely she heard, "Well done, good and faithful servant." Esther is survived by her son, Len (Jan) Hallock; daughter, Joan (Chuck) Long; granddaughters, Kara (Steve) Stender and Krista (Philip) Olufson; and great-grandchildren, Drew and Natalie Stender and Carsten, Ian and Adam Olufson. We will honor her life at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 8, 2015, in First Covenant Church, N.E. 45th Avenue and N.E. Burnside Street. In lieu of flowers, donations for helpi ng Congolese children may be sent to Covenant World Missions, First Covenant Church, 107 N.E. 45th Ave., Portland, OR 97213, or a charity of your choice.