Ester Joyce Hale

Ester Joyce Hale, 83, of Arcadia, MD, passed away on Thursday, May 22, 2025, surrounded by family at BridgingLife Dove House in Westminster, MD. Born on May 27, 1942, in Baltimore County, MD, she was the daughter of the late Joshua Mitchell Hale and Elsie Elizabeth Spicer Hale. She was the beloved wife of 62 years to Donald Howard Hale. Ester retired from the State of Maryland where she worked at Montrose School and for the Secretary of Juvenile Services. Ester loved to cook and garden and was the matriarch of her large extended family. Surviving her is her husband, Donald Howard Hale, brother John Hale of Manchester, MD and numerous nieces and nephews Ester was predeceased by her siblings Everette Hale, Marvin Hale, Roland Hale, Leon Hale, Carrie Wagner, Charles Hale, Jenette Millender, Sidney Hale, LeRoy Hale, and Irene Krebs. The family will be hosting a celebration of life on July 19 from 1-4 pm at the Upperco Volunteer Fire Company social hall, 16020 Carnival Avenue, Upperco, MD 21155. In lieu of flowers, donations may be offered to the Upperco Volunteer Fire Company, P.O. Box 7, Upperco, MD 21155. Arrangements are by the ECKHARDT FUNERAL CHAPEL, P.A., Manchester, MD, and online condolences may be offered at www.eckhardtfuneralchapel.com