Esther Margaret Crane

Esther Crane peacefully passed away at home surrounded by her children on June 7, 2023. She was a brave, talented and strong-willed woman whom we were fortunate to have as our mother. Prone to acts of kindness and caring for others, Esther gave without expecting anything in return.

Born and raised in Everett, Washington, after graduating from Everett High School in 1950 she went on to attend Pacific Lutheran University. Following her freshman year she moved to Richland, Washington here sheworked as laboratory technician at Hanford while living with her sister, June, and brother-in-law Dick Langton. Since high school, she had been dating our dad, Jerry Crane, who was attending Washington State University studying civil engineering at that same time. In September 1954, they married and began their 50 years together until he passed at the age of 70. Their journey began in Everett. Jerry was relocated several times during their first few years of marriage but wherever they lived, mom provided a comforting home and developed friendships with those around her. Esther leaves behind all five of her children, many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Esther & Jerry loved to entertain, hosting many parties, family dinners and reunions. Esther had a love of gardening and decorating their homes in Everett and at Tulare Beach (Tulalip). They loved being together in their homes which Esther made each one feel magical especially during the Christmas season. For those who visited you knew you would never leave their home without enjoying a cup of coffee, pop, beer, a meal or having one of Esther’s homemade cookies.

Esther was raised in the Lutheran faith and joined the Catholic church in 1958. She lived out her faith by caring and doing for others, devoting her time and energy to her family and friends through the Catholic school, church, hospital and Saint Vincent de Paul. Those who served or worked with Esther knew that if she was involved they might expect a party full of love and fellowship at some point in their service together.

In 2006, Esther was fortunate to meet and enjoy the company of her dear friend, Phane O’Brien. They spent fifteen years together until his death in 2021. Together they enjoyed time in the yard, bird watching, day trips to Langley, travels to Lake Chelan, fine dining and entertaining friends at her daughter Leslie’s café, Under the Red Umbrella.

Mom, you will be greatly missed but never forgotten. You will always be remembered as a beautiful, faithful and proud woman who taught us all how to work hard, entertain, show respect and many ways to care for others. Enjoy your new home in heaven with Our Lord and reuniting with dad and those you have loved here on earth. We don’t doubt you are already planning a party up here!

A funeral Mass in Esther’s honor is planned for July 6th @ 11am at Our Lady of Hope Chapel (formally Perpetual Help Church) 2617 Cedar St., Everett, Wa. Reception/lunch to follow.

In lieu of flowers you may make a donation in Esther’s memory to Saint Vincent de Paul @ Our Lady of Hope Parish Office: 2430 Hoyt Ave., Everett, Wa. 98201

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Evergreen-FH.com for the Crane family.