Esther Jakel

Esther Ann (Skells) Jakel

Resident of Los Gatos

Born in Watertown, South Dakota on February 23, 1922, Esther passed away August 28 in San Jose at the age of 88.

The daughter of Mabel and Frank Skells, she had a younger brother Frank. She met her late husband Clifford through an aunt and uncle. When she married Cliff in 1948 in South Dakota, the aunt and uncle became sister-in-law and brother-in law. Esther and Cliff moved to Stockton in 1948 and then later to San Jose.

Esther found real joy as a member in the Methodist Church. She taught Sunday School from the age of 16 until she was 65. Since 1955 she was an active member of the Cambrian Park United Methodist Church in San Jose. She joined the United Methodist Women and served in multiple roles including President for several years. She made close friends in other religions choosing to see the similarities in their faith.

After graduating from a Mitchell, South Dakota business college she worked for several insurance companies. In San Jose, she went to work as School Secretary at Idella Lietz Elementary School in the Union School District in 1965 and stayed for 19 years where she said she truly enjoyed working with "great children, principals and teachers!"

Esther was always involved with social concerns locally and around the world. She was cited by the Mercury News in a 1991 "Doer's Profile" for her many volunteer efforts including the San Jose Historical Museum, tutoring, Cancer Society, Good Samaritan Hospital, Telecare phoning to housebound elderly, and the League of Women Voters. She founded a program that provides gifts to local families during the holiday season. Several years ago this program - which continues today - was renamed in her honor as "Esther's Outreach". Esther was also known for her work with the San Jose Family Shelter including filling her car with a steady flow of donations that she delivered to the shelter and taking monthly lunch to a drop-in center. She was an active member and church leader to People Acting in the Community (PACT) - an organization made up of 21 churches where Esther helped set up homeless centers, a senior nutrition center, and a health care initiative for children. Esther raised donations for UMCOR which served needy in the U.S. and overseas and Nothing But Nets providing funds to purchase mosquito nets for countries with malaria. She collected contributions for care packages going to needy families in Sierra Leone. Esther was also an active member in We and Our Neighbors, the oldest women's club in San Jose that is dedicated to promoting educational and social activities among its members, preserving the historical clubhouse, and supporting worthwhile causes.

Esther traveled extensively to far flung destinations, often focusing on her passion for social justice issues and ecumenical understanding. She also loved to cook. She was known for her pecan pie that sold for more than $100 at church auctions. She is survived by her two sons David of San Francisco and son James and his wife Kathy of Lafayette, California. In addition to her husband Cliff who passed away in 1982, she was predeceased by her brother Frank.

Among her friends, Esther was known as an angel and a hero for her concern for others. Esther said she had learned in life: "I've always been moved to try to help people experiencing tragedy, illness, problems or pain. God has given me so much, and I'd feel empty and unfulfilled if I didn't share with others."

A Celebration of Esther's life will be held on Wednesday September 22, 2010 at 11:00 am at the Cambrian Park United Methodist Church 1919 Gunston Way San Jose, CA 95124. Donations in her memory may be made to Cambrian Park United Methodist Church, American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, AIDS charities, Habitat for Humanity or Heifer Project. Local arrangements by DARLING FISCHER CAMPBELL MEMORIAL CHAPEL.