Esther T. Escandon

      While it is possible to receive good counsel from a wide circle of family and friends, few could do it with the skill and aptitude of Esther T. Escandon. She had a true talent for helping others reach their full potential and brought out the best in those who sought her help. Esther was a forward-looking woman whose personality was filled with empathy toward everyone she met. She could be quiet and reserved, but her style of communication was authentic and direct. An excellent communicator, Esther was a master at using imagery when she explained her ideas and concepts. She seemed to have an endless supply of innovative concepts and strategies for how to help those around her. Her sensitivity, kindness and generous attitude made her a wonderful friend for all who knew her.      From the time she was born on January 4, 1928, Esther showed a deep concern for others. She was a giving and caring individual, ethical and full of integrity and warmth. Esther came into this world in a hosiptal in Blythe, California. Her parents were Valentin and Amada Talamante. Esther was raised in San Luis, Sonora and Yuma, Arizona.      Because fellowship was so important to her, Esther promoted harmony with her siblings. She was raised with five siblings. She had four sisters, Teresa, Lily, Margarita and Lucita, and one brother, Luis. Esther was something of the family diplomat. She helped to settle problems and conflicts and kept the family running smoothly.      As a young girl, Esther interacted well with other children. She was helpful. She was an independent person who had a vivid imagination. Esther had a number of interests in her youth. She was an active child. In her spare time she liked painting.      All who knew her would agree that there was a certain kind of magic in how Esther was able to bond with her children. While she could be a firm disciplinarian, she could also fill the role of being a collaborator with her kids. Esther was always a mentor who helped her family reach its full potential. Esther was blessed with seven children, two sons, Gilberto and Arturo, and five daughters, Esther, Delia, Luz, Amada and Leticia. They were also blessed with twenty-two grandchildren, William, Gilbert, Roberto, Delia, Marcel, Ana Bertha, Gilberto, Laura, Gregory, Blake, Scott, Geneva, Carlos, George, Amada, Richard, Maria, Karla, Lizett, Arturo, Leticia and Carolina.      Esther projected a subtle but positive influence in her workplace. She was comfortable working behind the scenes to help everyone get their job done, and she worked hard at all times to help others to reach their highest potential. While her colleagues did not view her as a high-spirited type, Esther was effective at working with others to gain acceptance for her ideas. Esther could be a perfectionist at times, but wasn’t one to seek out personal recognitions. She possessed excellent insight and a strong ability to meet schedules. She was an innovator who worked well independently, and she enjoyed the task of meeting a constant array of challenges. Her primary occupation was housewife. She was employed as a Post Office clerk, a bank clerk and a store manager.      As an imaginative and inventive person, Esther was comfortable showing her creative spirit. She enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Once Esther took on a new project, she saw it through to its completion. Her favorite pursuit was painting. She was content to enjoy her hobbies alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.      Esther passed away on October 12, 2009 at San Diego Hospice in San Diego, California. Esther fought a brave battle against osteoporosis. She is survived by her children Esther, Delia, Gilberto, Luz, Amada, Arturo and Leticia. Services were held at Glen Abbey Mortuary Chapel. Esther was laid to rest in San Luis, Sonora.      Though she could be a private person at times, Esther was always able and willing to give of herself. She was so in tune with others that she often seemed able to read their minds. Esther carried with her an almost mystical sense of life. She was a person who was highly original in her thinking and used metaphors and symbols to describe many aspects of her life. A poetic, intuitive “teacher”, Esther T. Escandon shared herself freely and family and friends will remember Esther for the strength of her convictions.