April 4, 2023, at 9:33 p.m., a great celebration began, in the home of the Heavenly Father.
His beloved daughter, Esther, returned into His embrace.
Esther began her earthly journey of love and service on March 1, 1931, on the family farm at the corner of Schaff and Theisen roads.
She was one of six children. Her parents, Joseph and Estelle Theisen were her first and strongest teachers of faith, family, and community.
Her brothers, Thomas, Richard and Lloyd; and sisters, Elizabeth and Katherine, passed on to the arms of the Divine Father before her. Richard Ames, first husband and father of their children, Mark and Dena, passed on in 1984.
Esther married Thomas Nelson in 1994 and brought him into the family of his dreams. He loved and revered Esther until his passing.
As a member of St. Mary Cathedral parish, she was a devout Catholic and servant of the church. She became a member of the Daughters of Isabella and after her retirement, she sang in the choir. She also counted the offertory money each Monday morning until the Covid lockdown. One of her greatest joys and memories was traveling to Rome with the choir to sing for Pope John. She felt so blessed to have shaken his hand.
Esther cherished family. She was the loving core of her family. Her children were blessed with the steadfast love and mentoring of compassion and service. Her home was always the center of welcome and belonging. Her loving heart embraced all she came in contact with, and they soon knew that they were part of her loving family, as well. In addition to her children, Mark and Dena, her surviving family includes her daughter-in-law, Darla; grandsons, Nichols and Matthew; and three great-grandchildren.
Esther was also the core of her work positions. During her full life, whether working as an office manager for doctors or the State of Michigan, she brought everything under her umbrella of diligence and attending care. Her workplace became an extended house of love.
It is a pure truth, anyone that knew Esther knew true walking in grace and unconditional love.
Services will be held Thursday, April 13, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. from St Mary Cathedral. There will not be a visitation before Mass.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St Mary Cathedral, Food Pantry, or Compassus Hospice, in Gaylord.
Please know that Esther’s love will continue forever as she is now one with the love of God.
4 comments on “Esther J. Nelson”
Dena and Mark,
May the Angels 😇 lead her into Paradise. She was a sweet lady. The year she went to Rome, my Mom also went along . Her best memory was shaking the Pope’s hand and singing for him. 😀.
I remember Esther and Tom coming into Diana’s Delight Restaurant to enjoy lunch. Good Bless.
Connie Richards Nelson
Although I did not have the blessing of meeting Esther, I know she lives on through the light in the eyes of her phenomenal daughter Dena, who embodies a life-force of something far beyond human comprehension. Rest in peace, Esther, and thank you for your influence on my best friend.
Mark and Darla,
Thank-you for the privilege, blessing and honor of meeting and getting to know one of the most beautiful people I’ve ever met. I’m so thankful that I was fortunate enough to be able to visit with Esther every couple of weeks during her last few months on Earth. She was a true example of peace, beauty, love, and faith in her Lord.
You both cared for her so well and she loved you so much! Peace and blessings as you move forward, knowing that she is now one of heaven’s new angels ❤️
Sincerely
Briana
I am saddened to hear of Mrs. Nelson’s passing. I know that my mother Toni Brown also counted her as a friend.
God Bless