Esther Helen Fernandez

Esther Helen Brinkman Fernandez, born in Miami, Florida March 7, 1927 died July 17, 2023 in Stuart Florida. Esther, known as Dot or Dottie to her friends, had one daughter Lori, three sons Joe, John and Marc, and seven grandchildren. Her ashes will be interred next to those of her husband Augustine Fernandez at Arlington National Cemetery.

Esther attended Florida State University where she obtained her BA in Education in 1949 and married Augustine Fernandez, an Air Force officer, in 1950. As an “Air Force Couple” she and Augustine were stationed around the country where Esther taught in numerous public schools. She obtained a Master’s Degree from Ohio State University and a Doctorate from the University of Miami. She eventually advanced from classroom teaching to achieve her goal of becoming a School Principal in the Miami Dade School system.

Esther served as a Girl Scout Troop Leader and Boy Scout Cubmaster. Her leisure activities included classical piano, portrait and landscape art, antiques and collectible glass. Her interest in card games led to her status as Silver Life Master in the American Contract Bridge League.

Esther received many educational awards, held membership in numerous education honor societies, and authored a book—POWerful Memories—an account of her husband’s time in a German prison camp. She often referred to her greatest accomplishment, however, as raising her wonderful and loving children, all of whom hold steadfast that they have the most wonderful Mother in the world.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.youngandprill.com for the Fernandez family.