Esther Harriet Little

Esther was born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta, where she married James (Jim) Little and welcomed their first two children. The family later relocated to Calgary, Alberta, where they welcomed a third child and raised their family together.

Esther was known for her signature palette of pastel and jeweled colours—from her early windbreakers to her later cozy sweaters. Her outfits were always complemented by her famously bright pink blush, large circular earrings, perfectly manicured nails, strawberry-blonde hair, and her ever-present “ginger ale” bottle.

Esther dedicated over 40 years of her working life to Sears, where colleagues became lifelong friends. Many of these friendships endure today, with regular gatherings at North Hill Mall. Esther was a daily fixture at Phil’s Restaurant, where she enjoyed her customary cup of soup and a well-done potato. She was deeply loved not only by her family and friends but also by the servers who came to know her through her daily visits, often stopping by to say hello even when she was not seated in their section.

For more than 20 years, Esther was devoted to Scouts Canada. She began volunteering when her boys were young, and over the years, she took on more leadership roles, where she attained her Wood Badge, along with numerous other accolades.

Esther took great joy in treating her family. She never forgot a birthday and was always nearby to ensure celebrations were marked with a meal at one of her famed locations.

Esther is now reunited with her husband, James (Jim) Arthur Little; her sisters, Jean Anderson and Vivian Thompson; her parents, Leonard and Rose Brushett; and her mother-in-law, Marion Parker.

Her legacy of love continues through her children: Valerie Little; Ken Little (Jody Powell); and Cory Little (Audra). She was a proud grandmother to Cody, Jacob, Seth (Tessa), Seraiah (Javier), Aliyah (Sam), Ariel (Alek), Chaylene (Michael), Kayla (Fred), and Shayna (Andrew), and a great-grandmother to Lucy, Darian, Lily, Arthur, Haven, and Harlow.

She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Lorna, Susan, and Janice, whom she referred to simply as "her sisters."

A Celebration of Esther’s Life will be held at Foster’s Garden Chapel 3220 – 4 Street N.W. Calgary, Alberta (across from Queen’s Park Cemetery) on Sunday, February 1, 2026 at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alberta Children’s Hospital, where Esther and Jim were dedicated donors for many years.