Esther Katherine Elias

Born on May 24, 1937, in Cleveland, Ohio, Esther moved to Burbank as a child and attended local schools, graduating from John Burroughs High School in 1956. She met the love of her life, Bill, at the age of 15. They married on August 18, 1957, built their life and raised their family in Burbank.

Once her children were in school, Esther began working as an ESL (English as a Second Language) aide at Luther Burbank Junior High School. She took great pride in supporting students whose first language was not English, offering patience, encouragement, and guidance to help them find their footing. She later joined Lawrence Engineering in Burbank as a Kardex Clerk, remaining with the company as it transitioned to Saturn Fasteners. After many dedicated years, Esther retired in 1999. After retiring, Esther found joy in working at Once Upon a Time, a Montrose, CA bookstore that matched her lifelong love of reading.

Esther was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Bill. She is survived by her children: son Ken Elias and daughter-in-law Robynne; son Dan Elias; daughter Sherry Kelley and son-in-law Mike. She is also survived by her grandchildren—Tatiana MacLellan, Julia Kristoff, Carly Fraye, and Tyler Elias—as well as her sister Linda Harris of Burbank; brother Tom Guiffrida and sister-in-law Judy of West Palm Beach, Florida; sister-in-law Judith Elias of Port Hueneme; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Esther’s warmth, dedication, and love for her family and community will be deeply missed

A committal service will be held on December 9, 2025, from 11:00 am to 11:30 am at the San Fernando Mission Cemetery & Mission Hills Catholic Mortuary, located at 11160 Stranwood Ave, Los Angeles, CA 91345.