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Esther Fontova Obituary

Esther Maria Fontova died September 29, 2013, at her home surrounded by her family. She was 83 years old. Esther is survived by her husband, Humberto Fontova, whom she met at age 15 and was happily married to for over 62 years. She is also survived by her 4 children Patricia Rusbar (Stephen), Humberto (Shirley), Enrique (Ela), Laura Hourguettes (Jacques) and 9 grandchildren, Amelia Rusbar, Monica, Michael, and Robert Fontova, Andre and Alex Fontova, Lillian, Nicholas and Philip Hourguettes. Esther was born in Havana, Cuba and moved to New Orleans in 1961. She received a doctorate of Mathematics from the University of Havana, was a professor at Xavier University for over 25 years, and chairman of the Math Department for several years. Her volunteer work included Meals on Wheels, Math Nerds online, and work at the Jefferson Council on Aging. Memorial services will be held at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. on Saturday Oct. 5, 2013. Visitation will take place from 10:00 - 10:30 am followed by a short service in the chapel at 10:30 AM. Inurnment will follow at Lake Lawn Park Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the National Breast Cancer Foundation or the American Heart Association.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The New Orleans Advocate from Oct. 3 to Oct. 4, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Esther Fontova

Not sure what to say?





Darrel Johnson, XULA '73

December 28, 2025

I was a student in Mathematics at Xavier University in 1973. Dr Fontova was everyone's favorite instructor. A lovely woman, caring instructor, and a major part of the "golden age" of Xavier University. I was feeling nostalgic today on the eve of a new year (2026) and began searching XULA archives for students and faculty I knew. I found Dr. Fontova, did a search, and discovered she had passed in 2013. Thank you Dr. Fontova, for your time, your excellent academic instruction, your genuine concern for students and your wonderful personality. To be remebered fondly by a student after 50 years is a testament to the kind of person you "are". Blessings 2U

Elena Hingle

October 14, 2013

Comical, lovely, elegant, intelligent, and compassionate are words to describe
Mrs. Fontova. During my high school years I had the pleasure of hanging out at the Fontova home on weekends because their daughter, Laura, was my friend. Mrs. Fontova was always welcoming and even allowed me to come on vacations with the family. I will always remember how sweet and funny she was. Her hospitality seemed effortless. I especially am amazed at how she took care of her own parents, having them live with her in their old age. I also recall how she continually helped the sisters of Xavier. She seemed to do it all without complaining - and always with a sense of humor. My mother will always remember how Mrs. Fontova lifted her spirits when she came to visit her and my brother in the hospital when my brother had been diagnosed with cancer. She knew exactly what to say and my mother will be forever grateful.

She is an example to all women. Her daughters are certainly following in her footsteps.

My prayers are with all of you. Mr. Fontova, thank you, also, for your kindness. My prayers are for you and all of your children and their families.
Love,
Elena Hingle

The Brunmier family, Florence, Carl, Dean and Karin

October 7, 2013

Grief is never easy, but our special memories help us cope in this time of sorrow. Don't cry because its over, smile because "she" happened. We were blessed to have had such a special and wonderful person in our lives.

Yvette Marsalis-Washington

October 6, 2013

A more beautiful loving and kind person is Esther.Her spirit will always be alive in my heart.Esther and Humberto delivered meals with me for the Council on Aging at the Lakeshore Playground site and I truly enjoyed their presence everytime they came.
I know Jesus has opened His arms to receive Esther with joy because she has truly run her race and won.Be grateful family that you had a person as wonderful as Esther for the many years she lived and remember the happy times you shared with her and the wisdom she imparted throughout her 83 years.Yours in Christ,

Colleen Fabacher

October 5, 2013

Mr. Fontova, Patty Sue, and family,
Thinking of you all during your time of heartbreak. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, dear friends.

With love,
Colleen, Peggy, James, and family

Maria Monahan

October 4, 2013

Ricky,
Know that I share in your loss and will be with all of you in spirit tomorrow morning (10/5). Heaven has a beautiful angel. God bless.
Love,
Maria E. Lopez Monahan

October 4, 2013

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. In loving memory of a wonderful person.

We will love you and miss you always.

Ramon,Maria,Jay,Lizette & Luis Vallejo
The Vallejo-Leon Family

Carolyn Duvigneaud Thomas

October 4, 2013

I remember Dr. Fontova from my days as a student and later when I began working at Xavier. She was a lovely woman who always had a smile. May she rest in peace and may you find consolation and strength.

American Heart Association

October 3, 2013

May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.

October 3, 2013

It is always difficult to find the right words to say when a mother, wife and friend is no longer with us. Just know my prayers and thoughts are with you.
I have very fond memories of Ester Maria, such a sweet and caring person. May the wonderful times shared with family and friends continue to keep her memory and legacy alive.
With Deepest Sympathy
Maria Antonieta Gonzalez

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5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70124

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