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Esta Kornfield Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Esta Kornfield
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Mary Sondag
February 19, 2022
Something led me here tonight, She was my shining light when our babies were young and so were we, and I had no clue how to be a mother. She´d be so happy to know that the Sondag boys turned into wonderful men- she wouldn´t be surprised and yet she would diminish her role in making that happen. I couldn´t have done it without her...
walter cudnohufsky
March 8, 2021
Esta proves it is easy to remember special people, As a one of a kind person, she stands out yet. Fond and vivid memories of our interaction are on call.
walter cudnohufsky
March 9, 2020
Dear Ken, Madeline and Sam,
Esta remains an arresting name, visible and present image and a positive persona and delight. She continues to be missed and thoughts of her bring only smiles!
Walt Cudnohufsky
Walter Cudnohufsky, Ashfield
carolyn yarnell
March 5, 2017
I am so sorry to hear about Esta. She was a good friend to me and my son when we were neighbors in San Francisco. We moved to Rome in 1999, and today, I thought to look her up because I'm going on a short trip to SF and would liked to have seen her. It has been a long time since we have spoken, but her beautiful heart remains in my memory, and always will. Rest in peace, dear Esta.
Michele (Shelley) Hament
March 7, 2008
I am so very sad to hear of Esta's passing. She and I were very close in junior high school, but somehow lost touch over the years. Recently I received notice that our 40th high school reunion was coming up, and I thought about Esta, as I have many times over the years. That is how I found out this sad news. The cruel irony is that I also live in the Bay Area; it would have been a great joy to see Esta again. Reading about her life, I remember what a wonderful person she was, and feel great sorrow that we didn't meet again. My sincerest condolences to her family, and to her many friends and acquaintances.
Tamela Gorden
April 24, 2007
Dear Ken and Family,
I met Esta at the Commonweal Cancer Help Program in September of 2006 and was profoundly affected by her strength and goodness. Her kindness and depth of spirit shone through in every moment of our time there. I will forever remember Esta's love of her family, of nature, and of life. Esta, I wish you peace.
Theo Schwabacher
March 25, 2007
Dear Kornfield family, I was co-class parent with Esta at Cathedral School and got to know her during that year in particular. She was a sweet, considerate and generous person who always contributed and adored her family. Her kind smile will always be how I will remember her.
With deepest sympathy The Gallagher Family
Christine Colasurdo
March 25, 2007
Dear Esta's Family,
I knew Esta through her work with Ulloa Elementary and the native-plant garden she created there. Esta was one of my heroes. Her work was a great inspiration and example for me. She was a terrific role model and a great woman. I deeply admire her artwork, her creative and generous spirit, and her courage. I am so sad that she is gone and will always be grateful that I knew someone so powerful, generous, and good. Her smile stays in my heart.
Barbara Chiasson
March 25, 2007
Dear Ken, Madeline and Sam,
Esta and I were roommates in our Freshman year. We shared an apartment the next year. During those two years, I was fortunate to have Esta's tender company for the growing and changing that always happens when you leave home and start life on your own.We had many fun-filled adventures together. I am so sorry she is gone, but our memories will go on.
Barbara, Steve, Trina and Aaron Chiasson
margaret soltan
March 23, 2007
Dear Kenny: Two friends from your Walter Johnson days here - David Kosofsky and Margaret Rapp - want to say how sorry we were to hear about Esta. Margaret has admired her paintings online, and David fondly recalls his one meeting with her, just before the birth of your first child and after the fracture of her leg while climbing a fence.... We've been moved, reading this memory book, by the love and admiration she inspired.
With sympathy,
Margaret and David
[email protected]
[email protected]
Dr. Veronica and Trevor Hunnicutt
March 23, 2007
Esta Kornfield was a lovely woman; she was kind and caring, thoughtful and supportive, natural and in touch with the things that are important in life. It was always evident to us that she loved her family. She withstood the battle of her life with grace, civility, and kindness. We feel blessed to have known her.
If you need anything in this period of mourning, we would be glad to help in any way.
Sincerely,
Veronica and Trevor
Barbara Pitschel
March 22, 2007
Esta was a strong, a dear, a wise, and a loving friend. Her love and knowledge of plants, her art, her care for the earth and its inhabitants (plants, animals, people) has contributed greatly to quality of life. Esta gave a century of good life and work in barely half that time. Peace to her and to her dear family. She will long be remembered.
Jake Sigg
March 22, 2007
I am indeed saddened by this. I saw her on Mt Sutro recently, and she was indeed cheerful. It was only by inquiring that I found she was still threatened by cancer.
Marina Marcoux
March 22, 2007
Dear Ken, Sam and family,
We just heard the news here in London. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Esta was a remarkable woman, always smiling, calm and gracious. We will all miss her
Best, the Marcoux family
afreen wahab
March 21, 2007
Dear ken,sam and family,
Our sincerest condolences .
May you all find solace and peace during this time.
We shall hold you all in our prayers.
Be Well.
Pax
afreen wahab and shea whelan.
March 20, 2007
I believe love transends our time on earth. Wishing you comfort in knowing Esta's love remains with you and that you can call upon it as you greet each new day.
Love to you all
Eileen, Paul and Gabe Fanelli
Ray Stevenson
March 19, 2007
Dear Ken and Family,
I am so sad to learn Esta passed away. What a wonderful person, the type of person that makes you feel special just by saying hello. My most profound sympathy to you, my heart aches thinking and knowing how much your mother means to you. I know her Spirit will always be there to touch you and to hold you throughout the rest of your lives.
Sincerely,
Ray, Sam and the kids
Susan Hempstead Hess
March 19, 2007
Dear Ken, Sam and Family: Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this terribly sad time. I remember seeing Esta last spring at our CSB 2002 Reunion -- enthusiastic, excited about the boys' plans for college and a broad smile on her face -- just like always.
Love,
Susan, Tom and Andrew Hess
Paul Seliga
March 19, 2007
Esta was indeed "Gallant" to the end, and it shows in this fine photo of her. May your family continue to be blessed through her.
Regina Casciato & family
March 19, 2007
Dear Ken and family,
We are very sorry to hear of your loss. Esta was a gentle and thoughtful person with a calm and dignity that I always admired. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this sorrowful time.
Regina Casciato & family
(Zack, CSB '02)
Sharon Seliga
March 19, 2007
Dear Ken, Madeline and Sam,
I well remember sitting with Esta in your home, drinking tea, and talking, talking, talking. I will always remember her graciousness and warmth. I extend to you my sympathy, thoughts and prayers at this time, and I am glad she passed peacefully in the company of those she loved. What a blessing for her, and for all of you. I wish you continued strength and peace.
Sharon
Fred Barker
March 18, 2007
Ken, Madeleine and Sam-
Esta was a gift to the human race. I know she was a gift to all of you in many, many ways. She also left gifts behind her that will last and nourish all of us until the end of our days. Through us who had the great good fortune to know her, her life and example will make the world less harsh. She will be missed a lot. My deepest sympathies to you.
Gene Haydu
March 18, 2007
Dear Ken, Madeline and Sam; I never thought I would be writing a letter like this to you all. Esta always seemed to be there as such a resilient person. Of course you have heard many things from friends and family I am sure. You know how few times I was with all of you where I had an opportunity to know her. To me she always made me feel welcome and had a incredible way of showing understanding and empathy. We all have people who we love and hold dear and surely Esta will always be that person for all of you. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Gene Haydu
Suzanne Haydu
March 18, 2007
Dear Kenny, Madeline and Sam,
Esta is one of the few people that I admire enough to want to emulate. I hadn't seen Esta since July 4, 2005, but every time I was around her I wanted to be more like her. She inspired me to have art shows at my home and sell my art work. She inspired me to landscape our yards and focus on native plants and low water usage. She inspired me to decorate my home with lovingly used items. And she inspired me to listen to others and be a kind soul. She designed our front yard at our previous home and held my baby shower for my daughter. Her soul has moved all of us and her spirit will live on in us.
E. J. Hetz
March 18, 2007
Ken,
We are so sorry for your family's loss. Esta was filled with grace and laughter. Her legacy is the kindness and love that she gave generously to all who knew her. Though her light has dimmed, it still shines brightly through you and the beautiful children she gave you.
Walter Cudnohufsky
March 17, 2007
Dear Ken, Madeline and Sam,
What a brave and wonderful, tralented and positive person was our Esta. It was a joy to see her last summer and have her sit in on a watercolor session.
Do know that so many of us who will miss her, none more than the three of you. She has left so many lessons for us to ponder and adopt.
May your time of great change be as peaceful as they can be.
It would be great to connect this summer.
Our deepest sympathy and condolences.
Walt Cudnohufsky
LT Ray
March 17, 2007
Esta, you will ALWAYS be with us, especially when we are out in the beauty of nature.
dinah stroe
March 17, 2007
Dear Kenny, Madeline and Sam,
We will always remember Esta and her constant efforts to make the world a better place. Her gardens at Playmates and Lawton truly added beauty to the Sunset and touched the lives of many with a daily dose of green. She understood how healing that is. We also remember the raucous Chanukah we shared when the children were all so little. Esta knew how to relish the happy chaos! May her memory always be a blessing. We will keep you all in our hearts.
Dinah, Noah, Sarah and Leo Stroe
Ziona Brotleit
March 16, 2007
As far back as high school, Esta was one of the gentle ones. I am grateful to have felt her warmth. I wish you comfort.
Karen Sharp
March 16, 2007
I'm sorry to hear about Esta's passing. She was one of the loveliest people that I ever met. I know that her spirit will endure.
Virginia Gallego
March 16, 2007
Mi mas sincero pesame. Esta fue para mi una fuente de inspiración, una de las personas mas amables y cariñosas que he conocido en mi vida, me dio muy buenos y sabios consejos.Gracias Esta.Descansa en paz.
Ed Kornfield
March 15, 2007
Dear Kenny and Family,
We are so sorry to hear about the passing of Esta. I am grateful we had the pleasure of meeting and getting to know her during your visit to Alaska. What a gracious and kind person she was. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family during this time of sorrow. Ed, Robin, Tamra and Tyler
Susan Wilder
March 15, 2007
Dear Ken, My heart and thoughts are with you and your children. Esta was very dear to me. We met when we were 18 years old and college freshman. Esta brought life and vibrancy into every space she breathed in. I feel lucky to have known her. I am sure she will be missed by many.
Ruth Temkin
March 15, 2007
I don't remember Esta but heard of her often. I understand she picked the flowers for my daughter Janet Goldenberg's wedding. She and Janet were high school and San Francisco friends. I will miss them both.
Robin Oller-Brown
March 15, 2007
Dear Ken and Family,
My deepest sympathy go to you and your family.
Ellen Kornfield
March 15, 2007
Please accept our deepest sympathy. I'm glad we got the chance to visit with her, if only briefly, on our recent trip to S.F. Despite her illness, she was gracious and warm. The world is a better place for her having been here. Cousins Ellen, Rudy and Ian
David Sikora
March 15, 2007
My deepest sympathies.
Steve Chessin
March 14, 2007
In her fifty-six years on this Earth, Esta touched more lives than any one of us can know. As one so touched, my heartfelt sympathy goes out to her family and to her friends. We will all miss her.
Katherine Krebs
March 14, 2007
Dear Ken & Family,
We hold dear Esta in our thoughts & prayers--we will miss her.
My favorite memory of Esta is on the day of Sam's Bar Mitzvah--how beautiful and proud she was that glorious day!
Esta was an inspiration to me. May she rest in peace.
With our love & sympathy,
Katherine
Katherine Krebs & David (CSB '02)
Susan Shapiro
March 14, 2007
The most beautiful, joyful, courageous spirit we have ever known. She will be much missed and remembered with much love.
Charlie Stepanek
March 14, 2007
A kind heart and gentle soul, now at peace.
Bobbie Neuwirth Braun
March 14, 2007
My sympathy and thoughts go to you and your family
love is kept always safe in loving hearts
Krista Woodley
March 13, 2007
Ken and family -
We hope that you are all doing ok, and happy to hear that your final days with Esta were peaceful.
Krista and Ross
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