Lillian Esther Caldow

Esther Caldow, née Benson, was 90 years old when her heart, which loved fully and hugely her whole life, failed.

Esther was born on April 21, 1935. She spent the first few years of her life in Vancouver before her family moved to Canoe. Though Esther considered herself more of a city girl, she did not return to the coast upon graduating high school, instead moving to Tranquille to work as a nurse's assistant. There, she meet her future husband, Andy.

Esther always remembered their time at Tranquille fondly, and the pair returned to the farm years later for Andy's work, moving onto the grounds with their three children. Retirement and an empty nest took Andy and Esther to the shores of Shuswap Lake, where they built their dream home. Anglemont was, for this former city girl, an oasis of peace and beauty.

Esther was strong, tough and witty. By her example, she taught us to love deeply and persist through difficulties, all while keeping a sense of humor. We remember those lessons now as we adjust to life without her.

Esther is survived by her husband Andy; children, Dave (Edda), Lorrie (Steve), and Jamie (Heike); and her grandchildren, Amanda, Jamie, Spencer and Chelsea (Noah). The family thanks the staff at SafeCare BC and Venvi Renaissance Retirement Home for their compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Canadian National Institute for the Blind.