Esther Olivia Meza-Jones

June 3, 1941 – March 10, 2026

Esther Meza Jones of San Diego, California, passed peacefully into the presence of the Lord on March 10, 2026, at the age of 84.

She was born on June 3, 1941, in Miami, Arizona, where the warmth, humor, and quiet resilience that marked her life first took root.

Esther graduated from Kearny High School in 1959 and later worked as an administrative secretary in the psychiatric ward at the Veterans Administration. In a place where many carried heavy burdens, her calm spirit and gentle humor often made difficult days feel lighter.

Esther believed life was meant to be shared in service to others. She was active with The Blind Center, where she crafted handmade work and sang Christmas carols during December Nights in Balboa Park to raise funds. Her creativity earned her a Blue Ribbon at the Del Mar Fair for the Disabled. She also volunteered at the Moose Lodge and helped with Meals on Wheels whenever she could.

She delighted in the simple gifts of life—water aerobics, cake decorating, country western dancing, and camping trips—and remained a loyal fan of the San Diego Padres and Chargers, cheering enthusiastically from the sidelines.

To her family she was lovingly known as “Nonnie.” She believed childhood should include laughter, a little harmless mischief, and a good card game. She delighted in teaching her grandchildren poker, blackjack, and gin rummy, and few escaped a friendly challenge to Scrabble. When her children were young, she was a faithful softball team mom, present for the many small moments.

Those who knew her remember most the warmth of her presence. Nonnie’s smile brightened every room, and time spent with her felt a bit like coming home.

Her family will miss talking baseball, cheering at Chargers games, and helping her figure out her newest gadget. But more than anything, they will miss her hugs and the words she often spoke as someone left her home:

“I love you more.”

She is survived by her daughters Patricia Soliven, Terri Lucero, and Carrie Salazar, along with a myriad of beloved grandchildren, who were among the greatest joys of her life.

Above all, Esther loved Jesus Christ. Her faith was not something she merely spoke about, but something she lived—through kindness, hospitality, and a steady love for others. Though her family grieves her absence, they hold fast to the hope she trusted: that in Christ, love is never lost and life continues beyond this one.

Her life reminds us that the true measure of a person is found not in grand achievements, but in the kindness, laughter, and faithful love they leave behind.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the San Diego Center For The Blind. This organization was near and dear to her heart because they taught her important day to day life skills and how to be active and thrive while living with blindness. She made lifelong friends there, went on incredible field trips and helped fundraise with the organization for others in need.