Esther Fridel Pelner

1919 - 2010

Esther Pelner passed away quietly on Sunday December 19, 2010 at Valley View Nursing Home in Ukiah after a long illness. She was 91 years old. She will be missed terribly by her family and friends, for she touched many lives with her quiet generosity.
Esther was born Dec. 9, 1919 in Manhattan, New York, the youngest of 7 children born to Rafael and Clara Friedel, immigrants from Vienna, Austria. They were a loving, hard working family, grateful to be in this "Golden Land".
Esther married Nathan Pelner, in June 1940. They were happily married for 57 years until his death. Both were Jewish and involved in their Jewish communities wherever they lived. They had 2 daughters, Leonore, living in Kansas, and Jackie, a long time Willits resident.
Esther worked in New York State government for 20 years as a Clerk/Typist. Her last job was in the court system with the very first computers. She and Nat retired in the 70's and moved to Florida for many happy years. In 2001, as her health began to deteriorate she moved to Willits to be near her daughter Jackie, her husband Harvey and sons, Isaac and Joshua. Here she learned the joys of small town living, making new friends and putting down roots.
She was a remarkable woman in many ways. Besides working and raising a family, she was openhearted, kind and generous. In her large family she hosted gatherings, stayed close with everyone and worked hard to strengthen relationships and keep peace. She helped anyone who needed it. There was always room for one more at her table, and in her home. She loved to laugh, travel, try new things and, of course, take care of her 5 grand children. She had a keen wit, a tireless intelligence, and loved to read. She continued to learn and grow until Parkinson's Disease interfered.
Born in the shadow of World War One she survived the Great Depression, only to watch relatives and friends leave to fight in World War Two. She was part of an incredibly dynamic generation. One that faced tremendous adversity. She was the last of her family to pass.
She will be laid to rest in Little Lake Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please donate to Kol Ha Emek ( the inland Jewish Community), any Parkinson's Disease charity, or any charity of your choice.