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ESTHER TUTTLE Obituary
The Board of Trustees, Auxiliary, Volunteers, and Staff of Brooklyn Botanic Garden mourn the passing of our dear friend and past Board Chair Esther (Faity) Leeming Tuttle, who died on July 9 at age 104. Faity's deep involvement with the Garden spanned more than 70 years. She served in a variety of leadership roles, including as Auxiliary President from 1961 to 1963, as a Trustee from 1963 to 2002, and as Board Chair from 1970 to 1977. During her term as Board Chair, she oversaw the Garden's incorporation as a separate entity from its parent institution, the Brooklyn Institute of Arts and Sciences, a major step in modernizing the Garden's administration. Drawing upon a background in the arts, she also helped produce a series of horticulturally themed films for the Garden. She was honored by BBG in 1988 in recognition of her many contributions. Faity Tuttle's dedication to community, her enthusiasm for life, and her unflagging energy and vibrancy inspired all who knew her. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her two surviving children, as well as her ten grandchildren, her 13 great-grandchildren, her 23 great-great-grandchildren. Frederick Bland, Chair Scot Medbury, President Frances Mendlow, Auxiliary President
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Memories and Condolences
for ESTHER TUTTLE
Catherine Abrahams
July 30, 2015
The Abrahams/Nesbet/Thirkield families send their deepest sympathy to the extended Tuttle family. Faity was magnificent, inspiring and legendary. I feel lucky to have known her and enjoyed the radiance of her company and love for family. She had a glorious life and loved you and was so proud of you all.
conny stede
July 21, 2015
we are very sad to hear that faity passed away. she will be in our hearts.
schwifting, erika and conny
Katherine Walcott
July 21, 2015
My memories of Aunt Faity: http://rodneyssaga.com/2015/07/18/off-topic-aunt-faity/
I hope Saturday was full of happy memories as well as of grief.
Robert Bluman
July 19, 2015
We had the lucky opportunity to meet Mrs. Tuttle at a fundraiser for the Columbia County Historical Society's First Columbian's annual fundraiser. We were new transplants to Columbia County, New York. She was 102 then. She wore a silk fish scale full length custom gown and looked like a million dollars. When we complimented Esther on her gown, her response to us was " Oh this old thing, why I have had this since I was 100 years old." She was both a blessing to her family as well as to her entire community.
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Rima Bostick
July 17, 2015
While Faity's death is sad for her family and all of us who knew her, it provided me with a clarion call to look back and realise the diverse richness Faity added to the quality of life in our community in large and small ways. My family and I have been enriched by knowing this lady who maintained her dignity and set a standard with a twinkle in her eye and mischief in her heart... I am deeply indebted to her family for sharing Faity with me. Rima Bostick
July 17, 2015
Sincere condolences goes out to the Tuttle family for your sad loss.
ELLENOR W. Cox
July 15, 2015
Faity always seemed to celebrate every day. An attribute we could all learn from. I am sure her memorial will be a celibration of a wonderful life, I am sorry i will not be able to attend. Sending you all, my condolences and thoughts.
Wallis McClain
July 14, 2015
An irrepressible spirit and an unmatched joie de vivre. Faity was truly a force of nature, and a model for anyone who aspires to be all he or she can be. She inspired everyone she touched, and she touched many with her life, her book, her art, her soul. Few have left such a joyous memory.
Jeff Anderson
July 14, 2015
Dear Jim and Nora and family, Please accept my deepest sympathies on the passing of your Mom and Grandmother. She enjoyed a long and full life and was a truly amazing woman. May your memories comfort you at this sad time.
Rainer Gomez-Arndt
July 14, 2015
Faity ,Ellen and myself in Prague ( Photographed by Allan Tuttle)
Rainer Gomez-Arndt
July 14, 2015
Saratoga races and far off places ~ Louisville Lou ( yes, She could sing too) .
With a zest for life, a kind word. A bright eyed knowing glance and that smile.
Her spirit and light would ignite fascination and wonder.
She captivated young and old alike with an astounding memory and a gift for story telling .
How can one be sad in having known someone so grand?
It was and is a privilege .
Faity taught me what I consider to be one of the greatest lessons in life.
"Never allow yourself to feel sorry for yourself"
Her mother taught it to her and she said it always served her well
even in the worst of times.
I took it to heart then and share it with you now.
So, instead of a tear , I will force a smile and Thank God .
She adored her family, respected nature and could always find
the bright side of things.
With the ability to make everyone of us feel so very special.
She lives on in spirit and in our hearts ~ Always.
Susan Williams
July 14, 2015
It was both an honor and a pleasure to have known Faity. Her
irrepressible charm and energy were an inspiration. Her love of the Hudson River Valley, her farm, her family were truly admirable. And,how can anyone forget those marvelous parties she gave in her
shocking pink apartment here in New York City, with the
most interesting friends. She will be missed.
Maureen Stewart
July 14, 2015
Faity touched and inspired me every time I saw her (which was not enough). What a privilege to have known her, and to have danced at her 100th Birthday celebration at BBG. Tom and I send our deepest sympathy, many prayers and much love to every member of the Tuttle family. Faity was glorious!
Linda Vault-Smith
July 14, 2015
An amazing journey though this world. She certainly left her mark.
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