Esther C. Muscatel

Esther C. MUSCATEL Esther Calvo Muscatel, age 90, passed away peacefully May 11, 2012 at the Kline Galland Home in Seattle. Esther was born November 24, 1921 in Seattle, the youngest of five children born to the late Solomon and Luna Calvo, a founding family of the Seattle Sephardic Jewish community, her father having come to Seattle in 1902. Her childhood was filled with many happy memories of life in the "old neighborhood," and living next door to the former Yesler Library where she fondly remembered how everyone gathered there after school to do their homework. Esther was a proud graduate of Garfield High, and attended the UofW until her marriage to David Muscatel in 1941. Together they built a home, raising three children in the Mt. Baker neighborhood. They were married for 27 years until David's sudden death in 1968. Esther was a devoted wife, mother, sister and daughter, and a wonderful homemaker. Her family, extended family, and friends were all important to her. After her husband's death, she continued to play golf and stayed connected with her many friends at Glendale Country Club. Tuesdays were Ladies Day and she always looked forward to a good game of golf, being with friends, getting exercise and having fun out in the fresh air, then coming in to have lunch and socialize with everyone. In 1979, Esther moved to her condominium in Bellevue. She appreciated the convenience of being closer to the Club and to Bellevue Square. She always enjoyed the changing seasons, the flowers in bloom, and loved living in the Pacific Northwest where she always had a view of water. Esther enjoyed being active and out doing things. She loved attending concerts, musicals, other performances and events, and continued to take advantage of every opportunity to do so when she later moved to The Summit at First Hill. She will be remembered for her friendliness, her smile, enthusiasm, wonderful sense of humor, kindness, generosity, and her style and care of being well dressed, with her hair just so. Esther is survived by her children Morris (Cindy) and Luann Bertram (Irv), grandchildren David and Jennifer, and five great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, and then in 2009 by her youngest son Stanley, as well as her brothers Mark and Jack, and sisters Fortuna and Violet. Many thanks to those who visited and helped to assist and provide great care and love for her.