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Esther Bradford Horrigan

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DIED

2026

About

Milton High School Boston University Simmons University

Esther Horrigan Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jan. 28, 2026.

Wellesley - Horrigan, Esther Bradford, 81, peacefully passed away Saturday, January 24, 2026. She is predeceased by her husband, John Joseph Horrigan, her father, Albert F. Hickey, her mother, Esther B. Hickey (Brown), and her brothers, Albert Hickey and Robert Hickey. She is survived by her son, Peter R. Horrigan and her daughter, Erinn K. Horrigan, her son in law Steven L. Grant, and her grandchildren, Gemma N. Grant and Alexander L. Grant, and many beloved friends and family.

A graduate of Milton High School, Esther received her BA in English from Boston University and an MS in Library Science from Simmons University. She volunteered for many years for the Wellesley Clothing Exchange, making numerous life-long friends. Once she raised her children, she worked as a librarian at the Noble & Greenough School. After retirement, she travelled extensively and began to pursue genealogy in earnest. This led to her memberships in historical associations, including the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), where she acted as the genealogist for the Amos Mills-Lucy Jackson Chapter.

Esther was also an avid gardener and photographer, always inspired by nature and unique architecture.

Esther was a wonderful friend and mother, and will be deeply missed. She has requested no funeral or memorial service, but would love to be remembered by her friends and family. Please consider making a donation to the Massachusetts Horticultural Society (masshort.org) in Esther's name.

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

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Recent Activity

February 12, 2026

Dan Gee posted to the memorial.

February 3, 2026

Lorelei King posted to the memorial.

February 3, 2026

Craig Snyder planted trees.

11 Entries

Dan Gee

February 12, 2026

I am saddened by Terry's passing and will miss her. She was very friendly and gracious to all. I got to know her through the COA photography club where she was alway showing insightful images which contained vibrant colors. One image I remember in particular was from her car during a rain shower. The wet windshield distorted the scene into a wonderful blend of colors and abstract shapes. No one could guess what it was. Later she said it was a famrstand and we were amazed. Another I remember was a colorful composition of daffodils with a wood fence at Elm Bank. It showed her love for flowers and gardening. I will miss seeing the world from her perspective and through her eyes. May she rest in peace.

Lorelei King

February 3, 2026

Terry was always smiling. I met her through DAR, but saw her more at the COA where she was organizing the book or sitting enjoying friends. Every time I saw her she put a smile on my face. She will be greatly missed!
Lorelei King

Craig Snyder

Planted Trees

Merilyn Dunn

February 1, 2026

Terry always did what needed doing, quietly, efficiently and competently. When we went to Italy with Jack and Terry, she made all the reservations, planned the itinerary and kept us on track. Each day she had the relevant pages from her Frommer in hand with routes planned, guiding us to what to see and what to avoid. But for Terry, we might still be there, aimlessly wandering.
People like Terry are the glue that keeps human civilization together. We will all miss Terry.

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Horrigans

January 31, 2026

The Maryland and Florida families have made a donation to the Mass Horticultural Society in Terry's name. Our deepest condolences to you Peter and your family.

Pam Parker

January 30, 2026

Terry worked closely with my sister Heather on my DAR application, which is how I came to know her. She was always so warm, kind, and helpful, and I truly enjoyed working with her. She will be greatly missed.
Pam Parker
Treasurer
Amos Mills - Lucy Jackson Chapter

Nancy Grant

Planted Trees

Loa E. Bliss

January 29, 2026

Terry and I met some years ago when she was applying to the Wellesley chapter of DAR. It was clear she was extraordinarily good at genealogy and we subsequently worked together as genealogists for the chapter. She was wonderful--smart, resourceful, skilled, and a joy to work with. Fun, even. Straightforward. Dependable. Sincere. But above all I valued her friendship, and her easy warmth, even as my family moved to California.
I am so sad. Terry, you are missed.
Loa Bliss

Julie Balserson

January 29, 2026

Terry was my first encounter with the Amos Mills-Lucy Jackson chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Because of her genealogy skills and warm demeanor, joining was an easy decision. She was always a welcome delight at every meeting and I will miss her very much. I'm sure we all will.

Liz Becker

January 29, 2026

Terry will be sadly missed by her communities she so loved. Helping with our Chapters Genealogy research -Daughters of the American Revolution, Daughters of Colonial Wars, her Dominoes and Bridge playing at the local Senior Center and work at the local library. Always willing to help and talk. I will miss her.
Liz Becker Regent
Amos Mills-Lucy Jackson Chpt., NSDAR

MAUREEN MARKT DEARBORN

January 28, 2026

Terry use to come into HISGEN. She and I were registrar's for our DAR chapters. We would discuss our prospective members in the lunch room.
She joined the Daughters of Colonial wars on Governor William Bradford. We visited some cemeteries together. She was a wonderful person and a good friend.
Rene Markt Dearborn
Registrar Mansfield Chapter DAR
Registrar Daughters of Colonial Wars

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