Esther Mathewson

Aunt Esther now rest next to her husband Ken. She and Mom and Aunt Hattie are back with their mother Frances Landon learning to cook.

I first met sweet Esther while working at Fairbanks as a young 20 year old. Her kind and loving ways towards everyone made her an office favorite. In spite of our age difference we remained in touch over the many years that followed by letters and cards. She will always have a special place in my heart. RIP dear Esther.

My earliest memories of Aunt Esther is the visits made to Owego with my parents. Lots of room for a kid to run around and then come home to delicious food. She made sure to keep in contact over the years, throughout my childhood and adulthood first through lovely letters and then via emails and even visited me at my first Naval duty with her daughter Judy and son-in-law Sam. Through a multitude of paper and electronic letters, she shared her life, her trips and outings with friends, along with the adventures of her beloved pets. I was able to share my travel adventures overseas especially in Italy and she shared my excitement when I bought my first home, became a mom and she sent comfort and sweet memories when my mother passed away. She was the epitome of kindness and leaves behind a wonderful legacy that I am blessed to be a part of.

The warmth of Aunt Esther´s love was as comforting as the scent of her country breakfasts that filled the air each morning. She had a remarkable gift for selecting the most exquisite jams and jellies, her cooking skills unmatched-there was nothing she couldn´t prepare. Beyond the kitchen, she nurtured my love for music, patiently guiding me through piano lessons, making sure I practiced before we sat together to watch the Yankees play. She was a person of many talents & virtues. At the time, I never imagined that those cherished moments would become my sanctuary during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Yet, through the hardest of times, the memories of her kitchen, her music, and her unwavering love carried me through. I never once felt homesick in my 23 years overseas because home was always in my heart, built upon the foundation she laid. Aunt Esther, along with Uncle Ken, gave not only to me but so many others: love, wisdom, and inspiration. To say you will be missed is an understatement, but I will always smile when I think of you. Thank you for your patience, your kindness, and for loving a kid like me. We will always love you.

The warmth of Aunt Esther´s love was as comforting as the scent of her country breakfasts that filled the air each morning. She had a remarkable gift for selecting the most exquisite jams and jellies, her cooking skills unmatched-there was nothing she couldn´t prepare. Beyond the kitchen, she nurtured my love for music, patiently guiding me through piano lessons, making sure I practiced before we sat together to watch the Yankees play. She was a person of many talents & virtues. At the time, I never imagined that those cherished moments would become my sanctuary during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Yet, through the hardest of times, the memories of her kitchen, her music, and her unwavering love carried me through. I never once felt homesick in my 23 years overseas because home was always in my heart, built upon the foundation she laid. Aunt Esther, along with Uncle Ken, gave not only to me but so many others: love, wisdom, and inspiration. To say you will be missed is an understatement, but I will always smile when I think of you. Thank you for your patience, your kindness, and for loving a kid like me. We will always love you.

Darling Aunt Esther from your loving nephew Gary Thiede, his loving son Chan and loving daughter Brandi, both who loved you as their unforgettable "grandmother" and "grandfather" Uncle Ken, and cousins Judy and Sam. We truly loved all of you and will miss you greatly. We need no one else to speak for us in their comments. You were the grand matriarch of Landon and Mathewson family throughout your life. So proud to have visited with you throughout my military career, 2017, 2019, 2021 and 2023. You are in my heart forever!