Esther Tovar

Esther Tovar, beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on March 7, 2019, at her home in Dallas. Esther was born on August 16, 1927, in Dallas, Texas, to Amador and Christine Diaz De Leon. She attended St. Ann's Catholic School and Crozier Technical High School. She met her husband, Rudy Tovar, at St. Ann's School in the 3rd grade. Rudy always said he knew he would marry her. In 1945, they married right before he left for World War II, and started their life together when he safely returned .

Esther worked a few years outside the home, but was happiest staying home full time and caring for her 5 children. She was instrumental in helping Rudy establish his business, Tovar Furniture Studio, as well as encouraging and supporting their 5 children in pursuing higher education. This same inspiration has continued to influence her grandchildren today.

Esther Tovar loved being part of the Church, especially Holy Trinity and Christ the King Catholic Church. She volunteered in the PTA, the Mothers' Club, the Boy Scouts, chaperoned many CYO activities, attended many band concerts and football games, always going the extra mile in her participation. Her gifts were keeping our family and extended family close together, always making sure to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, graduations and other major events. Esther knew her children's friends, would engage them in long conversations and even knew many of their parents. Once the children left home, she was able to volunteer more time with the International Order of the Alhambra, which raises scholarship money for teachers of disabled children.

Esther loved having company and her home was a revolving door of family visitors. Truly the family matriarch, she loved having family gatherings to celebrate important events, as well as major holidays. She was loving, generous and thoughtful, often with a sense of humor, too. Her children are grateful for the legacy she leaves: the importance of learning, family, faith and religion.

She is survived by her sister, Margot Diaz De Leon, as well as her 5 children: Estelle Lara (James), Dr. Rudy Tovar (Carolyn), Roland Tovar (Zoya), Esther Fraler Gross (Chuck), and Erline Martinez (Enrique). Esther Tovar is survived by many grandchildren: Jacqueline Signall, Jennifer Levengood, John Michael O'Shea, Tanya Rabatte, Dr. Rudy Tovar Jr., Madeline Tovar, Maria Tovar, Joseph Fraler, Amy Delgado, Mike Fraler and Jeff Fraler, Ani Tovar Bolat, Dr. Erline Esther Miller, and Elizabeth Rudi Guevara . Twenty-one greatgrandchildren were blessed to know and love her. Admired and cherished by all, Esther Tovar will be greatly missed by all her family.

Visitation for Esther Tovar will take place at Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home, 7405 W. Northwest Highway in Dallas, from 6pm-8pm, Sunday, March 10. The Rosary will begin at 7:30pm. The funeral Mass will be celebrated at Christ the King Catholic Church on Preston Rd. at 10am, Monday, March 11. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Rudy and Esther Tovar Jesuit Family Scholarship Fund, checks made out to Jesuit College Prep or the charity of your choice in her name.