Dorothy Jean Esser

FUNERAL HOME

Sunset Hills Funeral Home - Bellevue

1215 145th Place SE

Bellevue, Washington

Dorothy Esser Obituary

Dorothy 'Jean' ESSER (1926 ~ 2011) Dorothy 'Jean' Esser passed away in her sleep at her home in Bellevue on Tuesday, March 1. She was 84 years old. Her memorial service will be held at St. Louise Parish in Bellevue on Saturday, March 19 at 11am. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jean's memory can be made to Youth Eastside Services. To offer remembrances in an online guest book, please visit www.sunsethillsfuneralhome.com and look for Jean's name in the upper right column. Born in Priest River, Idaho on Sept. 11, 1926, Jean lived in multiple locations in Eastern Washington as a child before her family finally settled in Spokane. Jean graduated from Marycliff High School in Spokane in 1944, and went on to attend Holy Names College in Spokane, where she was the yearbook editor as a senior and graduated in 1949 with a bachelor's degree in Education. Jean was working as an elementary school teacher when she met Joe Esser, a Korean War veteran who was then stationed at Fairchild Air Force Base. They were married at St. Aloysius Parish in Spokane in 1953, but soon moved to Western Washington, eventually settling in Bellevue. For many years Jean worked side-by-side with Joe at the family business, Esser's Chevron, in the Crossroads neighborhood of Bellevue. They also raised their three children at a nearby home in Bellevue. Jean was preceded in death by Joe, her husband of 43 years, when he passed away in 1997. Jean's twin sister, Phyllis Nelson, passed away in Couer d'Alene, Idaho in 2000. Jean is survived by son Mark Esser and his wife Sally Esser, son Luke Esser and daughter Marcia Esser, granddaughters Katie Esser and Becky Esser, and extended family members throughout the Pacific Northwest. Jean enjoyed a lifelong love of roller-skating that spanned the years from her teens to her early 80's. She and Joe began square dancing in the 1970's and Jean continued to square dance well into her 80's. Jean was a founding member of St. Louise Parish in Bellevue and continued to worship there throughout the rest of her life.

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Published by The Seattle Times from Mar. 6 to Mar. 13, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Dorothy Esser

10 Entries

Eric Stratmeyer

March 16, 2011

Jean was more than just the mom of my best friend Luke - she treated me as one of her own! She would stock up on my favorite foods when I stayed over (frequently), always let us use the pool, made sure we had clean clothes and towels, offered us drinks and food, and took care of us in so many ways whether I stayed a night or two or a month! She had a great laugh and zestful spirit and I will be forever grateful for the kindness, generosity and acceptance she gave me.

Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary

March 10, 2011

On behalf of our Sisters who taught Dorothy at Holy Names College, Spokane, we offer our prayerful sympathy to all of Dorothy's family and friends. Her life has changed, not ended. May she be full of peace and joy - so much so, that her nearness brings those gifts to each of you.

Raleigh Wieand

March 9, 2011

Joe and Jean danced with us for many years. It was always delightful to be in a square with them. Jean was missed when she had to stop dancing with us.
Our sympathy goes out to the entire family. We know she will be missed.
Joanne and Raleigh Wieand and the Seattle Tape Worms.

March 7, 2011

My late husband, Doc Anstrom and I, Patricia, square danced with Jean over at the Tukwila Community Center. Such a fun time had by the whole club. Prayers for her family. Patricia and Stan Root

Jane and Ernie Storrer

March 7, 2011

Jean was a loving, energetic, peaceful person. My family shared moments with Jean over the years and always admired her kind spirit. What a lovely person. She will be missed. Our thoughts are with the Esser family as you remember...

Joan Wells

March 6, 2011

I roller skated with Jean in 1978+ up at
Lynnwood Roller Rink and some of the
other rinks in the area.
One time when we skated together and not in sync - I pulled on her shoulder and her shoulder was injured.
My family joined hers in Sun Lakes, WA
one summer.
Our other skating friend lived by
Phantom Lake and we would make the long
drive to roller skate.
She was taking care of her Mom while I
was caring for my Dad.
My deepest sympathy to her family.

Joan Wells

Loretta Traeger

March 5, 2011

Jean has been my friend and neighbor since Mark, Luke and Marcia were small children. Frank and I always enjoyed the fun times we shared with Joe and Jean. I will really miss her at daily Mass and and the conversations at coffee. I am including you and your family in my prayers.

Sally Jo Bergman

March 5, 2011

Mrs. Esser has always been a wonderful joy to have in our lives. We really enjoyed the cups of tea and conversations. I know you are free from the pain and discomfort as you have gone home to be with God. We love you.

Jeanne Davis

March 5, 2011

Mrs. Esser was such a wonderful bright spot in our lives, and she will be greatly missed! My thought and prayers go out to your family at this time.

Laurie Huisingh

March 3, 2011

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

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