Esther Glassman-Wilson

1921 - 2018

Esther Glassman-Wilson passed peacefully, July 6, 2018 at the Harold & Grace Upjohn Care and Rehabilitation Center. Born May 4, 1921 in Michigan City, Indiana, Esther is preceded in death by parents Joseph P. Timm and Loretta C. (Kintzele) Timm, husbands Earl L. Glassman in 1994, Wm. H. Wilson Jr. in 2011, son Robert E. Glassman in 2008 and daughter-law, Vivien Glassman in 2010. She is also preceded by siblings Philip, Agnes and Julia. Surviving is her sister Mary Lou Kolodiej; sons Richard Glassman (Kathleen), James Glassman (Betty), and daughter-in-law, Linda Glassman. Surviving grandchildren: Jennifer Glassman (Karl), Erin Wenger (John), Todd Glassman (Margaurite), Tanya McCabe (Rob), Sara Perkins (Terry) and Carly Pavlack. Great grandchildren: Abigail and Hannah Wenger, Austin Glassman, Zach Smith, Riley Perkins, Ashley and Autumn McCabe. Esther relocated to Michigan with her family in 1953. The family lived briefly in Paw Paw while the family home in Kalamazoo was built. The family became members of St. Augustine parish in 1954. Esther joined the Workers of Mary organization in the same year. She held many leadership positions in the organization and remained active until failing health in the 2000's limited her participation. Esther valued family above all else. She was involved in her son's activities during the school years and a doting grandmother to her grandchildren. After her adult sons started their own households, Esther went to work as a Supervisor for Friendship Village retiring from the organization in 1993. Several years after Earl died, she married long-time family friend Bill Wilson. Despite her failing eyesight, they enjoyed many years together summering in Michigan and wintering in Arizona prior to Bill's death. Esther developed a life-long love affair with antique dolls shortly after arriving in Michigan. Her hobby quickly became an avocation. Over the years she educated herself on doll repair and became an expert on all facets of modern and antique dolls. She was a featured speaker at numerous regional events. She was active in local and national antique doll organizations until infirmities and blindness curtailed her participation. She moved into the Heritage Community facility in 2012. She remained active and was an enthusiastic participant in most activities until the end. Friends are being received 5-7 pm Sunday July 22, 2018 at Redmond Funeral Home, Kalamazoo where a Rosary will be recited at 7 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated 10 am Monday July 23, 2018 at St. Augustine Cathedral. Interment will be in Grand Prairie Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to American Macular Degeneration Foundation.