ESTHER MARGARET LESPERANCE

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Esther, beloved Mother, Grandma, Aunt, Granty and Sister, who died peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones, at the Health Sciences Centre at the age of 78 years.
 

She goes on to be with her devoted husband Alan and leaves behind her son Brett (Penny), their kids- Sarah, Connor (Justy and grandbaby Blake), Drake and Alana; her daughter Jolie (Josh)- their children, Phaolan, Ezri and Wrenn. Also left to mourn are her remaining siblings, from the original ten; Tom, Victor (Connie), Ted (Jitka), Jim (Karen), and Debbie (Garth); along with a host of extended family and friends.
 

Esther grew up in rural Manitoba, the middle daughter in a large Mennonite family. After completing her studies at Altona Colligate, she was intrigued by a new career field opening up to women, of laboratory technology and moved to the city at 16 to pursue it. This then became her career, with many achievements and accolades along the way, as well as the creation of life-long friendships and connections. One of the highlights was spearheading the creation of a patient information database for the renal departments between St. Boniface and H.S.C. No small feat for a woman nearing retirement at the time. This was due to her active and sharp mind. She was an avid learner throughout her life; always upgrading her knowledge and researching her latest interest. She was very organized in filing her downloads. She had binders filled with her discoveries; be it new recipes or patterns, gardening tips or esoteric ideas. She was a great seamstress and mender of things, as well as a seasoned thrift store treasure hunter. One of her favourite activities, in her latter years, was baking cookies with and for her grandchildren. Esther made the brilliant decision to move into the upper floor of a duplex with Jolie and her family and lived her last year and six months surrounded by their love and care; making beautiful memories that are cherished.
 

Esther was a beautiful force of nature, with a raucous laugh to match. If you heard it, you remembered it and she used it often. She possessed a playful and irreverent spirit that infused the things she did. She was also practical and got things done. Once she chose a path, she followed it through and she wasn't afraid to speak her truth, even if it was hard to hear. This was always tempered with love and care. She believed love was the most powerful force in the Universe. It was where we came from and where we return to. She had very positive notions of death as the next great adventure and spoke of it with her usual clarity, curiosity, and conviction. This is a small comfort, as her departure was swift and unexpected. She was prepared. We were not. We also know she would have us choose joy and happiness over suffering and sadness, and celebrate her newfound freedom as best we can.
 

She will be missed beyond measure. 

A celebration of her life will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, April 27th, 2023 at 603 Wellington Crescent at Academy Road (Unitarian Church).

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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