Obituary of Esther Fisher

FISHER- It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Esther Fisher, late of Shellbrook. She passed away peacefully with family at her side on July 25, 2009 at the age of 87. Esther was born in Rayside, the eldest of 6 children, to Mae and Delmer Weaver. Esther's family resided in Sturgeon Valley with her grandparents where she attended school before they settled in the Van Mehren district. Although times were hard, her childhood was one of happy memories- Esther never complained. On October 25, 1939, Esther married Alex Anderson. They had seven children, Edward, Arlene, Elaine, Wendy, Andy, Vickie and Dawne. They were surrounded by close friends, neighbours, and extended family, making the best of even tough times. Together they all tended to the farm and garden, went berry picking, played sports, and attended dances. Esther and Alex ran the Lone Spruce Store and Post Office. When Alex died in 1964, Esther managed through thanks to the support of friends and family, not to mention her ever present work ethic and determination. In 1969 Esther married Arnold Fisher and the family expanded to include his four children. They moved to Deer Ridge, farming and raising cattle, having Christmas celebrations and summer holidays that all the children and their families eagerly awaited. They had a happy life with many trips south in the winter and summers spent fishing, boating, and camping in the motorhome. Esther always had a beautiful yard and garden with a house bustling with constant visitors. They moved to Shellbrook in 1997 and Esther was always quick to lend a hand in her community. She was dedicated to Arnold as he moved into Parkland Terrace until his death in 2006. Esther was a resilient and independent spirit with a huge heart and ever welcoming home. She enjoyed visiting, trips to town to shop at Peavey Mart and Wal-Mart, eating out at restaurants, and spending weekends at the Ramada with her daughters. She had the ultimate green thumb and the yard to prove it. She found joy in her friends, family, work, and independence. She was always proud of her children and lit up around her grandchildren. She was a generous, accepting and admirable soul though she was too modest and stubborn to allow anyone to say so. Our memories of her will be cherished always and we will carry her in our hearts forever- we love you. Esther leaves to cherish her memory, her children, Andy (Sam) Anderson of Okotoks AB, Elaine (Allen) Folden of Foxdale, Wendy Switenky of Meath Park, Vickie (Cliff) Herzog of Mayview, Dawn (Terry) Switenky of Red Deer Hill, Yvonne (Melvin) Hansen of Mayview, Sylvester (Diane) Fisher of Deer Ridge, Lewis (Eileen) Fisher of Spruce Grove AB, Barbara (Graham) Hamilton of Melfort; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; a sister, Ila Couldwell of Saskatoon; a brother, Ken (Bess) Weaver of Lethbridge, a brother-in-law, Jim (Annette) Szell of Lloydminster; a son-in-law, Doug Macdonald of Shellbrook; a daughter-in-law Marlene Anderson; four sisters-in-law Helen Anderson, Vasti Anderson, Vi Skauge, Mary Lynem. She was predeceased by, her first husband Alex Anderson; her second husband, Arnold Fisher; a son, Edward Anderson; a daughter, Arlene Macdonald; a great grandchild, Cameron Majors; her brothers, Bill Weaver, Elwood Weaver; a sister, Jean Anderson; her parents, Delmer and Mae Weaver; a grandson, Randy Macdonald; a grand daughter, Angel Ann Switenky; five brothers-in-law, Wildred Anderson, Marvin Anderson, Fred Anderson, Doyle Couldwell, Erling Skauge; a sister-in-law, Linda Weaver; two fathers-in-law Nels Anderson, Alex Szell; her mother-in-law, Annie Szell. The funeral service will be held at St. Agatha's Roman Catholic Church in Shellbrook on Thursday, July 30 at 10:00 am with Rev. Fr. Bernabe Millan Sajonas as celebrant. The honorary pallbearers are her grandsons, Jessie, Roy, Matthew, Blair, Evan, Wade, Adam, Chad, Clint, Vince, Lloyd, Daryl and Mitchell. Memorial donations may be made to the Shellbrook and Districts Health Services Renovation Fund. Interment will be in the Deer Ridge Cemetery.