Esther Lorraine Steele

Esther came to California at the age of nine with her family. They settled in Los Angeles where she helped care for her younger siblings while her parents worked. Esther and husband William met in 1948 following an introduction by her cousin. It was love at first sight.

Esther was a dedicated and loving mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. After a fulfilling life of raising her children she ventured out into the work force working side-by-side with her daughter and grandson in the food service department at the Fresno Surgery Center.

Esther's home was a gathering place for many events. She and William hosted an annual Fourth of July party that was quite an extravaganza! She enjoyed decorating for holidays and was known to leave up Christmas decorations year round on a special shelf. Her favorite destination was the Central Coast. She enjoyed walking on the beach and began the trend of gathering sea glass many years ago. She was a member of Sacred Heart parish and dedicated many years of service to the parish school.

Esther is survived by William J. Steele, her husband of 62 years; brother, Marvin Potter; sister, Elsie Murphy; eight children and their spouses and partners, Gerri and Al Castillo, Bill and Shannon Steele, Helen and Vito Angiuli, Georgia and Ron Wells, Tom Steele and Christina Gamble and Chrissy Steele- Dillard and Randy Dillard of Fresno, Cathy and Jimmy Logan of El Monte and Lorraine Steele and Laurie Willis of Oakland. She is survived by her nine adoring grandchildren, Eric, Adam, Laura, Deidra, Maura, Audra, R. J., Bridgette and Nicholas; and great-grand- daughter Alia. She will be greatly missed by her extended family of sisters, brothers-in-law, nieces, and nephews.

Recitation of the Holy Rosary and Memorial Mass will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Saturday, February 18, 2012, at 2:00 p.m.

Remembrances may be made in Esther's name to the Jenny Eller Donor Center at the Central California Blood Center.