Esther Maklary Lee

"Esther Maklary Lee, 88, passed away on November 10, 2017 due to complications from a fall, surrounded by loved ones. She was a native of the Hungarian Settlement in Albany, LA and a resident of Lafayette. The daughter of Hungarian immigrants, Esther grew up in a large farming family in the Hungarian Settlement and attended church and Sunday school at the Hungarian Presbyterian Church where her uncle, Alexander Bartus, was the minister. Her love for her family heritage brought her back to her home church each year for the All Saints Day celebration. Esther graduated from Albany High School, where she was the salutatorian, and worked at F. W. Woolworth's Five and Dime in Hammond. She met the love of her life, Earl Lee, while commuting to work on the city bus. They married on December 11, 1949 and shared 39 years, raising 6 children, before his passing. A widow for 29 years, she lived a full life devoted to her family. She never learned to drive, swim, or ride a bike, but that never slowed her down. Esther was a constant presence at almost every wedding, graduation, and birth. Her calendar was filled with dance and music recitals, ball games, cheerleading competitions, band concerts, Mardi Gras parades, Bible studies, ministry to others, and the list goes on and on. She had a sweet spirit, giddy schoolgirl smile, a sense of humor, a little bit of a prankster, and a twinkle in her eye. Esther was industrious, a hard worker, frugal, and able to stretch a dollar as far as the eye could see. Her children never lacked, especially love. She was a seamstress, making back-to-school clothes for all six of her children each year. She was generous, hospitable, and never met a stranger "“ a true Proverbs 31 woman. Esther was a quiet woman of God with a strong faith that she instilled in her children. She was a member of Monte Sano Presbyterian Church, Grace Presbyterian, First Baptist Church of Gonzales, and Trinity Bible Church of Lafayette throughout her life. She loved the Lord and was never without a place of worship. Though she has gone to her greatest reward, her presence will continually be felt in the great legacy she left behind. Everyone loved Mrs. Esther. Esther is survived by her daughters, Debra Lee Kenny (Bill) of Nashville, Marjorie Lee Acy (Danny) of St. Amant, and Kathy Lee McCutheon (David) of Lafayette; sons, Earl Edgar Lee (Patti Sanchez) of St. Francisville, Alan Robert Lee, and James Michael Lee of Baton Rouge; sister, Mary Howard of Michigan; brothers, Mike Maklary (Carol) of Hawaii and John Maklary of Texas; sisters-in-law, Lucille Maklary, Elizabeth Maklary Picou, and Penny Maklary; 16 grandchildren, 38 great grandchildren, and 1 great great grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband, Earl Edgar Lee Sr; parents, Sophie and Bill Maklary; sister, Elizabeth Gliskey; brothers, William, Alexander, Joseph, Nicholas, Louis, and Julius Maklary. Visitation will take place at Rabenhorst East Funeral Home on Friday, November 17, 6 "“ 9 pm, and will continue on Saturday the 18th from 9 am until services at 10 am, conducted by Brother Wayne Talley. Pallbearers will be Michael Edwards, Patrick Kenny, Jimmy Lee, Jake Hester, Anderson Hill, Grant Wilkinson, and Jeremy Hebert. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to The Hungarian Settlement Historical Society in her memory.