Chris, Sarah and Nicholas - I wish I had known as would have come to her memorial.

Deep and sincere condolences on Esther's passing.  Though we have not spoken much for many years, I treasure the years we spent together while our kids were in school together.

She was beautiful inside and out.  The first time I met her was standing outside Mrs. Gough's Kindergarten class waiting for it to be dismissed as  Nicholas and Janina were in the same class.  I knew upon meeting her she was a Christian though that was not verbally confirmed until a few weeks later as we got to know each other better.

Enjoyed many deep conversations, laughter and heart to hearts over playdates between our children.  She was a beautiful, gentle soul with a servant's heart that exhuded the love of Christ and touched the lives of many.  

May the peace that surpasses all understanding guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.  May treasured memories carry you through the tough days and may God's love and presence be near to you all.  

Much, much love to you ❤️

Marisa Ritzen

We are  so heartbroken  and sad to hear of Esther's passing away. We only met her once, when visiting  Esther's parents Steve and Carol at the retirement home exactly a year ago, but during our short visit Esther's warmth and kindness left a lasting impression. She was truly a wonderful lady. Our deepest condolences, Steve,Carol, Chris and Kids. Words cannot express the loss. May you all find comfort and strength in the Lord during this difficult time.  Our prayers for Esther and family.
Mathew, Roshin and Elijah

Dear Mr. Kelly

I was so very sorry to hear about Esther’s passing. She was such a dear friend to me through school, church, and so many special memories we shared. I will always carry those times with me and remember her with love.

Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. I’m also holding you and Mrs. Kelly in my heart. Esther was such a dear friend to me, and I know how much my mom valued her friendship with Mrs. Kelly. 

With deepest sympathy,
Jocelyn DeLong (Dart)

My friend, Esther. My bus-mate through most of high-school. She was the kindest of souls then and remained that way always. Even though it has been decades since we hugged , my world feels emptier today. I love you, Esther, always and forever.

Recent photo of CDL and Esther in Japan, taken by Hagiwara-san (former colleague of Chris at AFCC).

This was at Arianna’s baby shower. Esther, you were always so wonderful with my kids and loved getting your cuddles in. We will miss you so much. Thank you for being such an amazing, beautiful friend to my mom, and for being there to visit me in the hospital when I had my children. Your smile lit up the room, and your loving, bubbly spirit will never be forgotten. You will forever be in our hearts and you are missed beyond measure.

Dear Chris, Sarah, and Nicholas,

I was so heartbroken to hear about Esther’s passing. She was such a beautiful person, inside and out, and such a dear friend to me through so many stages of life. We grew up together through school and church, played music together
 in band, and later shared so many special memories with our little group—fondue nights, cross-stitching, and card games during the college years. Those are times I will always treasure, and I feel so grateful to have had her friendship.

My heart goes out to each of you, and to her mom and dad, Carol and Stephen. Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this very hard time.

With love and sympathy,
Jocelyn DeLong (Dart)

Chris, Sara, and Nick:
Esther...a true princess. Despite humble beginnings  (chicken farm), she will remain etched as royalty in my mind, higher than I could ever aspire in stature, poise, & beauty. The picture that comes to mind is her riding on the back of a 2 person canoe. Chris (you) would take opportunity each year to paddle her through sunny-brae waters. She wore her broad rimmed hat & glasses; Her smile from ear-to ear; Her blond hair flowing. She loved this tradition so much. (You really did treat her as a princess, Chris, and your deep respect for her was evident. Despite your long bike rides, you would come back to her pace, and she'd join you eagerly once more). Esther loved you deeply and was dedicated to stick with you always. I can see why you  called her "your person."  My condolences for your profound loss.  And Sarah (you remind me of your mom in stature  and beauty)....I want to hug you and not let go.  I know this will be a hard journey for you; Saffron and I want to be there for you in whatever way we can.  We love you & welcome you here anytime.  Sadly, I missed new moments with your mom the last few years, but I am  so blessed to have had a decade of intense friendship with her at Sunnybrae. She was like no other in how she loved others, mainly family.  She was so proud of you Nick and your piano playing.  Sara, she loved to do crafts with you, horse-back riding, and was not afraid to set limits "no excursions to the water past dark."  She was a great example and role-model of a mom.....loved you deeply, but also fiercely protective of you both.  We talked often of you during our walks together. I thank God for her wisdom, her prayers, her open heart, her humility (that never made me feel judged), our card playing, where she would laugh so loud she'd cry (at Greg or Morgan's jokes).  Her smile and her laugh are etched in my mind forever.  I love her so much! I will miss her, and as "a mother" I will aim to emulate her.  I care for you all. oX

Our deepest condolences Chris. Our prayers and thoughts are with you on your family
Lui  Gabriella Michael and Joshua Di Matteo. Toronto

Oh, Chris. This is so difficult to comprehend. Esther was such a bright light; I had so hoped to get to know her better in time. But we’re not given that time. I know how much you mean to David. You mean a lot to me, too. You are in our prayers. Please know that you have a safe haven getaway here at any time!

All our love, prayers and thoughts are with you today and have been with you since September 1 and will be with you for the months to come.

Blessings,
Kath

Chris and family,

Sending you our deepest condolences for your loss/  We are thinking and praying for you all and may God give you the strength to get through this difficult time

Paul and I are so sorry for your loss. Our condolences to you and you family.

Esther brought me some "compassion cookies" when I was having a tough go working during the pandemic.

Dear Chris, Nick & Sarah
I am so thankful to have been able to call your beloved wife and mother my friend. Over the past few years, we have had some parallel paths in our lives; raising teenagers into adulthood and caring for aging parents. Esther’s selfless example was inspiring. I’ve been thinking about what made her so special, and it must be because of her great love for Jesus. Esther was patient, kind, humble, thoughtful, considerate, gentle, forbearing, faithful and hopeful. It never mattered how many weeks it had been since we last spoke, we always picked up right back up again. She would be genuinely interested in what was happening in my life, and offer empathy and compassion. She would always be completely present in the conversation and make me feel like I mattered. My most treasured memory of Esther is that somewhere in those conversations she would make sure to refer to me as her friend. Such a small, effortless thing, but what a gift to have someone make sure to tell you that she counted you as a friend.  

“So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love”. 1 Cor 13:13

May the Lord who weeps with those who weep
hold you, Chris, Nicholas, and Sarah,
gently in His hands during these difficult days.
May His peace be the covering that steadies you,
His love the strength that carries you,
and His promise of eternal life in Christ
the light that shines quietly through the darkness.
We give thanks for Esther’s life,
for the love and joy she gave so generously,
and for the hope we share in seeing her again.
Amen.

Sending our love, prayers and deepest condolences. Judy and Dan Gibson.

Esther was a great friend in fun times and especially in times of need.  She always knew what you needed before you even spoke.  I will always treasure the great memories of our time with the girls as well as our  time where we grew in faith and Love for our precious saviour.  Rest my beautiful friend in the arms of Jesus  We rejoice in knowing we will once again be together rejoicing and praising HIM for eternity...

Ester spent a day showing Dad and I around Vancouver - she surely has seen the sights a hundred times, but was so sweet and hospitable to us that day. We remember and honour her as a wonderful, kind person. Our deepest condolences to Chris, Sarah and Nicholas as well the rest of her family and friends.
All our love,
Kim DiLello

Dear Chris, Sarah and Nicholas, we are so very sorry for your loss of Esther! She was a beautiful person inside and out! We always enjoyed our gatherings at Christmas or summertime at Nana and Scio-Scio’s house! I will always remember her visiting and helping take care of my mother when she was sick and praying with her! We will all miss her! Sending love and prayers!  Love from Darlene Jeremic and family 💔🙏

We mourn the loss of our dear friend Esther and celebrate her life...one of faith, kindness, love, generosity, hospitality, and joy.  We cherish the times we spent together over the past 28 years and send much love and prayers for strength during this time to Chris, Sarah, Nicholas and family.  She is rejoicing with her Lord, and we look forward to the day we will see Esther again!

I have so many special memories of Esther - girls trips to Birch Bay, Palm Springs and most recently  Victoria and many New Years Eves spent together, usually at the Millard’s, are just some of them. This past NYE, we were all admiring each others engagement/wedding rings and Esther decided to collect them all to see which she liked best. Her set from Chris won hands down of course, but she had fun seeing all the different styles. 

When I think of Esther, the verses from 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 often come to mind. “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” This was Esther - always joyful, always full of gratitude and always praying for her family and friends. She loved with every fiber of her being; fully and unconditionally, and my life was better because Esther was a part of it.

I have many happy memories of being with Esther and our little gang of friends-many hours spent laughing while we cross-stitched and played very competitive games of Dutch Blitz- usually at her house.  Exciting trips to Canada's Wonderland. We played our instruments in the church band.  She was my dental hygenist for a bit when they lived in Oshawa.  She was excellent at her work (all that cross stitch/ attention to fine detail must have prepared her well!).  In 2004 and 2013 or 2014 we had the privilege of visiting them in their home in BC.  Esther was a gracious, welcoming hostess- Silly little thing, but I remember her wearing an apron when she was cooking.  Since then I started to wear one too..... I'm not sure if it makes my cooking as good as hers, but it reminds me of her....  a beautiful, kind, generous woman who will be missed....

John & I stopped for a quick visit with Esther and Chris in 2017 while on vacation.

Esther had found out that we were close by and invited us to their place in Blaine, WA.

We were having some fun with a selfie stick. 💕😊

So beautiful…inside and out. This was from when we swapped highschool grad photos in 1987.

We always looked forward to an annual at Christmas!

With Glen & Joanne…just a year ago…❤️

Remembering the many times spent together…loving memories ❤️.
M&T

In May of this year, we went on a girls trip to Victoria. We came across a hat store and had fun trying them on. Esther was always invested and interested in what was going on in our lives.  She always made me feel like she deeply cared for me, and I will never forget our conversations and prayers shared on each others behalf. To know her was to love her ❤️

Santa before the kids smashed him to be made into a fondue.  Again , her beautiful radiant smile.

Esther was the one of the  best woman that I have ever met. She was a wonderful wife mother and daughter and a wonderful person.  We will miss you.

Esther , Joy and myself and one of our family Thomas Scott ( Thome Scote - inside joke) Christmas dinners. We all met when our boys Nikolas , Aaron and Anthony became friends in grade 5. We will miss you friend .

Chris’s 500,000 hour birthday. Esther was always so creative snd cleaver and was an amazing cook and baker. We will miss her 💕

Chris and Esther at Joy’s birthday party in January. We had a wonderful time together.

With tremendous sadness I read about the passing of Esther.  I was blessed to have met Esther at Ocean Park Dental and she became a dear friend in the years that I went there.  Never did I think I would like to go to the dentist, but knowing that Esther and I would connect in conversation and such joyful discussion, kept me booking over and over and only with her.

I loved hearing about her family and how proud she was of her children.  One day she asked if it would be okay if she kept her phone on as the children were taking the bus to school for the first time and though they had practiced it over and over, she just wanted to make sure they were all right.   She was so proud of her husband and worried about his stress.  

During the time I went to her, I lost my Dad and then my Mom and right behind that my husband died suddenly.  Always it seemed in the aftermath...I had an appointment with Esther.  God knew where I should be.  She sent me pictures of her dahlia's from her garden to give me something nice to look at on day's where I was struggling.  Her quiet presence was like that of an angel...I now know she was.

We talked about the blessing of parents and how she worried about hers being away.  As I was in skincare we discussed her daughter's skin and how we could tweak her regimen for great results.  And when I sent little packages for her daughter, she would write me back with a handwritten card. 

When I adopted my dog from Iran, she made me cookies to celebrate.    And years after my husband had passed and I began to date a man I had known from when I was young, she cried and so did I, that God had another chapter waiting for me.
I have never met a gentler person in my life and she so very much touched my heart. 
They say "the heart never forgets, what the eyes no longer see"....this I know is true and Esther my heart will never forget you!
 
Deepest condolences to her family.

Patricia Clare ~ White Rock, B.C

Most of my memories with Mrs. Di Lello are from around the kitchen island or table, enjoying her delicious cooking and talking about anything and everything. She was like a second mother to me and I’ll miss her so much. We shared the same faith in Jesus (and love for theology podcasts), so I am looking forward to seeing her again someday.

Esther was the friend we all want to have - funny, cheerful, unselfish, godly & consistent.  She was the heart of your family that nurtured your many talents.  May you know the peace that she is now experiencing with her Lord & Saviour and honour her selfless life in the days ahead as you contemplate “what would Esther/ Mom do”. 
As I think of her each day, I commit to praying for each of you.

Dear Chris, Nicholas, and Sarah

We are so very sorry for your great loss.  Esther was such a beautiful friend.  We will be forever grateful that we were able to connect with you both during your visit to Ontario in August.   We are praying for the comfort of God to carry you through this time of unimaginable grief and His strength to endure life without your irreplaceable Esther.  

Larry and Sandra Evans
xoxo

Besties from childhood 
Colleen Luchies and Heather Sage

I’m very sore for loss of your beautiful wife, she was a very good young lady, was a very heart break for everyone and special for you and for your to beautiful kids! She’s will Rest in Peace ☮️ in paradise shes an Angels of God’s  me and my  Husband we sent  our condolences to all families! Love Maria & Mike Di Matteo ☮️🙏💫

This is very sad news. Esther was one of my hygienists for several years and also my husband's hygienist for over ten years. When he died she sent me a kind and thoughtful condolence card to share some of her memories of him, which meant so much to me. I'll always remember her kindness for taking the time to do this.

One of the many memorable trips to Canada's Wonderland.

New Years Eve at Nathan Philips Square 1990

We had an annual Christmas gathering a few years running.  We have such happy memories of those times together.  Circa 2003.

Auntie Esther has known Emma her whole life....what a sweet friend to me and a kind adopted Auntie for our children.  This photo was taken in the hospital the day Emma was born in 2002.

When Chris and Esther moved to BC in 2000, Esther and I became fast friends as we walked and talked along the promenade and pier in White Rock.  We took up the whole path with our two double strollers steaming along side by side.  What a blessing it was to have Esther as a friend for these past 25 years!  She is a treasure and we will all miss her so very much.

Dating days at the Kelly’s original cottage

Boating with Dan Gibson at Ivey Lea Provincial Park

This is a clip from a tribute I recorded for our dear Esther unfortunately this site will only allow a 2 min video. My full tribute can be watched on facebook - Sonia Workman (it’s a public video). ❤️🙏🏾

We stayed at a beautiful resort in Indio, so we had to take a photo with the Indio sign!

We enjoyed our day at Joshua Tree National Park. So neat to experience that together.

At the top of the Palm Springs Aerial Tram we hiked around to different viewpoints, and took lots of selfies.

We got up in the wee hours of the morning and made the two hour drive to Disneyland. Such an amazing day, with such amazing friends!

Esther and I had a plan. The plan was to do the Grouse Grind together. So we trained, and we trained hard, sometimes at Christopherson, but mostly at 1001 Steps. Each time I would meet her at her work, and we would walk over to the steps, and walk and talk, up and down, up and down. We went up and down the stairs so many times that our legs ached. Then we'd do it all over again the next week, but aimed to add one more of the up and down each time. Our theory was that eventually we'd be able to do the equivalent of the Grouse Grind, and then we'd be ready to do the actual Grouse Grind. Eventually our dream faded, and we never did do the Grind, but we have those special memories of climbing, talking, and aching legs. Memories that you share with just one other person, are somehow more special. I'll miss making more memories with you Esther.

Esther was a dear friend for many years. We spent a lot of time together because we were carpool buddies. We shared so many of the joys and sorrows of life while driving places together. Esther was also a great friend to travel with. We enjoyed many girls trips together. The most special one to me was our trip to Palm Springs in October 2023. Esther was my roommate, and when we drove to Disneyland for the day, she was my ride partner for many of the rides. The 5 friends who went on that trip have a special bond.
Another memorable trip with Esther was to Victoria just a few months ago. Esther was my roommate again, and we had such a great time. One of our excursions on that trip was to the Malahat Skywalk. That was such a great day! It was so fun going down the big spiral slide, and just enjoying the joy of it together. 
Each moment spent with Esther was special to me, not just because she was so fun to be around, but also because I have so many special memories of when we prayed together, wept together, laughed together, and spent so much time talking together, and sharing life together. Esther you've left a big hole in my life, and it'll never be the same without you here.

Esther & Chris came to visit us in Sedona in February 2023.   It was our first time spending time with Esther and we quickly bonded with her.  Esther’s warmth, faith in God, sense of humor, humility and genuine love for life & her family was infectious.   We will miss Esther but have peace knowing she is with the Lord in heaven.

I have a recorded a video tribute for our dear and lovely Esther but it’s too long to upload. To watch the full video please click on this link: 

https://youtu.be/oBxq5i6aNrs?si=CBT_PvNcvAwM4yPt

Forever grateful you were there to celebrate our wedding with us. ❤️ AnnMarie, James, Ellie & William

My dear auntie Esther, how can i ever express into words how thankful i am for a lifetime of memories that you have given me. You have been a massive part of my life for 25 years, and im 28 so that really is almost my whole life. Every part of me misses you and aches for your friendship. Talking to you on the phone 3-4 times per week about anything and everything, you always had some wise advice for any decision i was struggling with. You were always there for me in my corner, whether it was tough love or when i needed a shoulder to cry on. You gave so much to everyone around you and never asked for anything in return. My engagement party, baby showers, wedding, everything- you were always there helping and we couldnt have done anything without you. 
Earlier this week ronnie had his first day of grade 1 and all i wanted to do was call you and ask about all sorts of things like: "what should i pack in his lunch? What did you do on the drive to school?" and more emotional things like being sad when dropping him off, but thankful i get time alone with my other two little ones. 

You cared alot about memories and keepsakes and writing down babys' and kids' firsts. You worked so hard to give us great core memories when we were young. Im hoping someone shares the photo of the homemade gingerbread houses you did for a whole group of us at your house one year, maybe 2005. Baking them from scratch and setting us all up to build them. I remember that, and you gave that memory to me. We had many vacations together, from whistler to maui, birthday parties, anniversaries, many other celebrations. 
Everyone around you felt the joy and generosity that you brang to all of us. 
Thank you for being so good to me but also extending that love in a sincere way to all 3 of my kids. 
Ill never forget you or everything you did for me. Im beyond thankful for everything. Truly a second mother to me. ill love you and miss you forever.

Love, 
-Em

You and my mom- the best tag team anyone could ask for, and the queens of multitasking. thanks for still making sure my baby got fed, even if it took two of you.

March 2022- My husband was away for work and you invited ronnie and i over for a teddy bear picnic. one of my favorite of a lifetime of memories you gave to me.

OBITUARY

Ruth Esther Joy Di Lello

11 November, 1968 – 1 September, 2025

Victory Memorial Park & Funeral Centre

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