What a special Aunt Esther!  We have so many special memories to sustain us during this difficult time.  Uncle Bruce, what a devoted husband you have been.  You and Aunt Esther have always been there as a couple showing love to us all.  We can remember those special Park Street meals together when we could spend time with family.  As a small child, I was always intrigued to hear about your lives abroad.  Aunt Esther always had such a calming way - just like a teacher - she showed us all how to laugh and enjoy each other.  She also shared her grace and flair.     She would always remember birthdays and other important dates that made us feel special.  You both would call often to check on our Mom when she was ill.   How much our Mom enjoyed those opportunities to catch up.  Tom, you have been a special son.   We remember when you were born how elated the family was.  We recall all of those holiday meals when you ordered shrimp cocktail and your Mom was fine with it!  We  have spent many happy times like the picnics at Knollwood in Michigan as you  passed through for a visit.  We hold up these special times together.  Please know our hearts and prayers are with you all.   

Dear Bruce and Tommy and Family.
I am so sorry to hear of Esther passing .
She was a very special Lady and she will be missed.
I would like to share a story with you , when Esther was a resident 
at Manor Care in Camp Hill , I received a request to do her hair, which I did  and She told me after it was finished " Thank you for making me pretty again"  and that is one of the reasons I still do hair at the home 25 years.
Thank you all for taking such good care of her...
I am glad she got to spend these last years with her granddaughter.
THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES...Hugs Nancy

Aunt Esther was so very elegant. I always looked up to her, especially admiring her style and taste. When I was 13, she gifted me with "charm school" at a department store. I went to downtown Cleveland every Saturday for six weeks, learning how to apply makeup, have good posture, and model the current styles of clothes. As a young adult, I was a bridesmaid when she and Uncle Bruce got married. She sent me cards many years later, commemorating my birthday, and wedding anniversary. It was wonderful to see her in Delton, Michigan at my Mom's birthday party. I had brought my son, Andrew, along to celebrate in 1997. I have a picture Aunt Esther painted of the dunes on Lake Michigan hanging in my living room, over the mantel.  Aunt Esther's example reminds me of the quote by Albert Pike:
"What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal."   
I will remember Aunt Esther's gifts and kindnesses that made my life so much better. 

My heart felt sympathy to the family and friends of my Aunt Ester.  She was a joy to be with.  A kind word and a loving heart.  She shared her interesting point of view, good humor and her bold laughter with all at family gatherings.  She was just great in so many ways and I will truly miss her here with us.
A gentle heart has moved on
And I hear laughter and joy
At the great gathering beyond.

Douglas J. Nichols
(photo:  Easter, 1960)

Dr. Manson Estel Nichols

Esther Louise Nicholes

Betty Jeanne Younger

Martha Joanne Nichols

Marilyn deLacey

OBITUARY

Esther Louise Avis

February 18, 1937 – May 18, 2020

Neill Funeral Home

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