Memories of Esther
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please send it to us via our "contact" page.
From:
Chris Leverton (daughter)
I have so many great memories of my mother it's hard to single particular ones out.
As a child, some of my earliest memories involve Mom crafting and sewing.
She didn't just sew, knit and crochet beautiful clothing and blankets for the entire extended family.. I cherished the soft sculpture Cabbage Patch doll she made me, along with my beloved Pippi Longstocking fabric doll complete with red yarn braids sticking out to the side, a striped dress, and mismatched stockings just like Astrid Lindgren's fictional character.
When I was a teen and other girls were spending small fortunes on store bought dresses for the prom, we pored over the pattern catalogues and shopped for pretty fabric - and I was so proud of my prom dress and all the other clothes she made me.
But my Mom didn't just make things for the family. She made tons of blankets for Project Linus, baby hats for hospitals, and hats and quilts for the homeless. She was so generous with her time and limited money.
Mom could stretch a dollar like few others - clipping coupons and cooking from scratch, ensuring we were well fed on an enlisted Marine's salary. She also managed the household budget using a simple notebook system, and meticulously balanced the checkbook every month. Being debt free during the last two decades of my parents' married life was a huge source of pride for her and an inspiration for me.
When I divorced, Mom offered endless emotional support. She even helped pay many of my lawyer bills, and told me not to worry about it whenever I tried to pay her back.
I could go on and on, but I won't. Let me just end this by saying my mom was a wonderful, kind, generous and loving soul, and I will miss her forever.
From:
Genn (Leslie) John (niece)
It's hard (impossible) to encapsulate my feelings into words for such a kind and giving soul as Aunt Sis (Esther). I will do my best with the caveat that I wish I could do better! This website is a testament to how loved Aunt Sis is and what a rich and wonderful life she lived.
One thing is for certain; you could count on Aunt Sis and her zest for life! Unfortunately, we didn't get to spend a lot of time together over the years, but she was always kind and interested when she asked how I was or what I was up to. I could tell the asking accompanied genuine curiosity and care and that she actually wanted to hear the answer. I appreciated that she was a great listener and also engaged energetically in conversation.
It meant the world to me that she, Uncle Jim and Chris drove such a long way for Dad's Celebration of Life get-together. I know it was a horribly difficult trip on all of them. I enjoyed the stories she shared about dad and I appreciate that she took the time to share, even when I knew it was not easy for her to speak in front of everyone.
Experiencing the loving way that Uncle Jim has always talked about Aunt Sis really shows how much love they have for each other and I cherish getting to share in that in a small way. I speak in present tense because I don't see this love as something in the past, but rather something that endures in a timeless way.
Aunt Sis will always hold a special place in my heart.
From:
Rita John (sister-in-law)
Esther (aka "Sis") welcomed me into the family with open arms when I met Del nearly 40 years ago, and made us feel comfortable whenever we visited. Taking care of family was most important to her.
People were drawn to her because she was kind, generous, and caring. Kids and dogs were drawn to her because of her playful nature.
Sis took life in stride, remaining calm and unruffled whether hosting large parties or small. She never boasted about the crafts she made or who she donated them to. Nor did she brag about the accomplishments she achieved in her life. Instead, Sis would give you her full attention and listen to what you had to say.
She was always smiling and had a quirky sense of humor. Sis had the ability to laugh at herself, like the time she took photos of Del and me and wondered why she couldn't see us... She was taking selfies at the time!
Sis was a blessing to anyone who had the privilege of knowing her, and her legacy will live on in the family she left behind. Her work is done. Now it's time to rest in peace. Thanks for being a part of my life.
With love, Rita John
From:
Rebecca Braswell (great niece)
I loved growing up with my (great) Aunt Sis close by.
I have early memories of going to lunch with her and my grandma at Souplantation when I was little. Sometimes my mom and aunts would join us, too. We would often go to the duck pond in Carlsbad afterward to feed the ducks.
Throughout my life, she was the glue for family functions and parties. Whether at her house or my grandpa's, we spent many holidays together. When I was 14 years old, she had me taste wine for the first time at one of our family gatherings (and I still hate it to this day thanks to her). 🤣 She had a fun sense of humor and was always joking and laughing and teasing the kids by taking her dentures in and out.
After I became a mother, my Aunt Sis made my kids countless things - beautiful blankets, bean bags, dolls and more. My daughter Laynie and I would go to lunch with her at Mama 'n Papa's in Vista. She loved being a great, great aunt!
I was honored that she trusted me and asked for me to help take care of her toward the end, when the days got tough. It meant a lot to be there with her, listen to her stories, and spend time together before she passed. I loved her very much and life won't be the same without her.
From:
Carey Braswell (niece)
Once when I was in high school, I ditched class and decided to go on a "walkabout" across Vista. My course wound through Shadowridge, across Mar Vista Dr. (near where my Aunt Sis and Uncle Jim lived) to the north side of the 78 and then down S. Santa Fe. As I gradually made my way home, pacing myself so I wouldn't arrive suspiciously early, out of nowhere my mom pulled up in her car with my aunt in the passenger seat! Needless to say, my mom was not pleased.. Apparently, my aunt had seen me strolling along S. Santa Fe and, knowing I was supposed to be in school, tipped my mom off on my truancy..
From time to time, my Aunt Sis would retell this story and apologize to me for getting me into trouble. But I would laugh and assure her that I never held a grudge about it.. that, in fact, I wouldn't have had events unfold in any other way.
Throughout my life, my Aunt Sis was always there - and not just to spy and rat me out! She was a fun, loving aunt and a fixture in my life for as long as I can remember. She was down-to-earth and steadfast. She was playful and and full of energy. She didn't shy away from dropping "truth bombs," or from speaking her truth, which I admired. She was a maker of things and a keeper of memories. I still have an animal quilt she made for me when I was a child. I treasure it.
I am so glad we grew up with my Aunt Sis close by and got to spend so much time with her, starting from childhood and into adulthood. She was a very special and important part of our family and will remain in my heart always.
From:
Marilyn Leverton (sister-in-law)
From the first time I met Jim (my husband’s brother) and Esther, I felt so at home. Her laughter was definitely contagious and it felt like I had known her all my life. Some don’t know that Jim was the oldest of his family and my husband Howard was the youngest. There was 21 years between them and they never were around each other much, but their love for family was always there. I couldn’t be more thankful for an amazing sister-in-law and I will always cherish the visits and phone calls.
Love , Marilyn
From:
Ron & Judy Rosol (neighbors)
I apologize to Jim, Chris and Mary for not writing a memory of our dearest neighbor Esther sooner.. Esther has been on our minds since we learned of her passing and our deepest condolences and prayers go out to Esther and her remaining family. Esther and Jim have been our neighbors for more than 50 years and we will always remember Esther for her loving, caring and good natured way. She was such a lovely person inside and out. Each Christmas season Esther and Jim would show up at our door with fresh baked cookies.. Man, could that lady bake! Honestly they were simply the best baked goods ever. They would come in and chat for awhile and bring us up to date on how their family was doing. It was a special time. We will always remember the many times we got together for a special occasion, someone's birthday or an anniversary.. The whole neighborhood would show up and it just brought everyone together in a very neighborly way. Esther will be sorely missed by the Rosol family. Now it's time to rest sweet Esther, no more pain. May God bless you and your remaining family. RIP Esther Leverton
Love, Ron and Judi
From:
Sherry Clark (nextdoor neighbor)
There is not a day {until her passing} that Esther was not a part of my known life. Growing up next door, she was a part of my and my family's daily life, even if was just a smile and wave, to a shared talk under the tree. Love you, Leverton family XOXO
From:
Amanda Gonzalez (niece)
On Monday April 21st, my family lost our last true matriarch. My Aunt Esther, or as my family always called her, Aunt Sis. She was kind, funny, humble, and truly one of the best people I knew.
She made us baby blankets when we were born, and when we were young, and had trouble sleeping in our own beds, she made life size dolls so we wouldn't have to sleep alone. She made us clothes to wear and stuffed animals to play with. She made my homecoming dress when I was in high school, my formal black dress for concert season, and when I got married, she made my bridesmaid and flower girl dresses. She made my sons diaper bag, which I still have, and bean bags for all the kids.
When my mom died I was only in my early 20's, and my aunt helped fill that mother figure roll and guide me into adulthood. We would go out to lunch all the time, and she would tell me stories that I never got to ask my mom. She also gave me lots of advice about marriage and raising kids. Her and my Uncle Jim were married 63yrs, and were true examples of how to make a marriage work in the best and worst of times.
I spent my life growing up at her and my uncle's house. We celebrated so many holidays, birthdays and just because days in their yard that I could probably navigate the place with my eyes closed.
We laughed together, we cried together and we had a lot of "what the hell is wrong with people" moments together. She has been a part of the fabric of my life in so many ways since I was born, and I'm going to miss her dearly. Rest in peace Aunt Sis, I love you so much ❤
From:
Dawn Hoffman (niece)
I have so many wonderful memories of Aunt Sis. Growing up, we spent a lot of time at their house for family dinners, birthday barbecues and holiday get togethers. She made us so many things - blankets, dolls, Cabbage Patch Kids.. She also made countless things for the grand kids, including beanbag chairs, diaper cakes for baby showers and baby blankets. She was so talented, more than she realized!
When we lost our mom, Aunt Sis stepped up and took her place, making sure to let us know that she was there for us if we needed anything. She became like a second mom and grandma.
As I got older, I enjoyed all the time we spent together walking, having lunch dates, and watching all the juicy trials that were happening at the time on Court TV. I could confide to her things that were bothering me or happening at the moment. Her and uncle Jim let us host so many family gatherings and helped create so many memories.
She was funny, told it like it was and cared about us so deeply. She has a special place in my heart, like my mom and dad and so many others who have left us. I miss her so much.