Esther Dluger Dickstein

Esther Ellen Dickstein (née Dluger), age 79, passed away on January 21, 2026, in Portland, Oregon. Born on November 26, 1946, in Chicago, Illinois, Esther lived a life marked by intellectual passion, civic engagement, and unwavering dedication to education and justice.

A proud graduate of Mather High School’s Honors Program in the Class of 1963, Esther earned an academic scholarship to Northwestern University, where she completed her Bachelor of Arts in English Education in 1967. That same year, she received her Illinois State Teacher Certification. Her commitment to professional growth continued with a Master’s degree in Gifted Education from Northeastern Illinois University.

Esther devoted 34 years to public education as an English and Social Studies teacher and later as the Gifted Program Coordinator for District #30 for 28 of those years. She was a respected member of both the National Education Association (NEA) and the Illinois Education Association (IEA), serving for a decade as Chief Negotiator for the District #30 Teachers Union. Her innovative work earned her the Governor of Illinois Curriculum Award for her gifted student curriculum design. She also coauthored the textbook Read All About It, was nominated for the prestigious Golden Apple Award, and served as adjunct faculty in Roosevelt University’s graduate program supervising student teachers.

Esther’s influence extended far beyond the classroom. A lifelong advocate for civil rights and women’s rights, she was inspired by leaders like John Lewis and believed deeply in “making good trouble.” She volunteered tirelessly on behalf of local and national political campaigns and championed causes such as the Equal Rights Amendment. Her activism reflected a deep belief in lifelong learning and social responsibility.

Her personal passions were as vibrant as her professional life. A Mah Jongg champion in her Chicago teen years, Esther continued to enjoy the game throughout her life. She also found joy in knitting, dancing, fashion, jewelry, book clubs, and intergenerational programs that connected people across ages. An active member of Hadassah, she embraced community involvement with warmth and enthusiasm.

Esther is survived by her beloved husband, Jack Dickstein; her cherished daughter, Jessica Kushner (Uriel); her devoted brother, Robert H. Dluger; two beautiful grandchildren who brought immense joy to her life; and her treasured “Sisters of the Heart” Roz Conway, Myra Moldofsky, and Mary Grant. She is also remembered by countless students whose lives she shaped over more than 30 years in the classroom, along with many additional family members and friends touched by her intelligence, compassion, and spirited activism.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Ann (née Chanin) Dluger.

Esther will be remembered not only for her accomplishments but also for the strength of her convictions and the depth of her care for others. Admired by many for her smarts and activism, she will be dearly missed. May her memory be for a blessing z"l.

Esther is buried at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, OR.

Donations in Esther's memory can be made to Hadassah at https://www.hadassah.org/.