Esther Lango

Esther Lango died on December 31, 2024, at St. Agnes hospital. At the time of her death, the hospital played a lullaby announcing the birth of a baby on the 5th floor, a fitting tribute to the circle of life.

Esther’s humble beginnings taught her to appreciate God’s blessings. Esther was born on June 2, 1937, to Monico and Maria Ruiz. Esther graduated from San Joaquin Memorial High School in 1956. The following year, she married her soulmate, Robert Lango, and welcomed her son, Steve, to the world. Together, Esther and Robert raised Steve in a home they built and lived in for 60 years, enjoying wonderful neighbors.

Esther was an empathetic, shrewd businesswoman who first developed her skills as a paralegal, eventually expanding her career as a successful real estate broker, acquiring and managing rental properties with Robert. Together they enjoyed the fruits of work which culminated in the building of an office complex on Palm Avenue. Through the years Esther developed many lasting relationships with people in the Fresno real estate business. As those who knew her will tell you, her moral compass was her key to success.

Esther and Robert were committed to raising their son, Steve. Esther’s abundant nurturing nature was steadfast. Steve married his wife, Marla, and had a son, Lucas, who allowed Esther to continue shining her light as a grandmother. Lucas and Esther had a strong bond. In 2003, Esther and Robert had the honor to escort Luke and Steve to attend a private audience with Pope John Paul II in Rome. Esther was later blessed with two wonderful great grandchildren, Skylar and Sterling. They, too, were fortunate recipients of Esther’s enduring nurturing nature.

Esther was a wonderful friend. Many sought her unwavering support through the years. She was especially fond of her nieces and nephews who found her love bountiful. She loved the Ruiz family reunions facilitated by her nephew Jim and his wife Veroniz. Without any fanfare, she offered support to her many nieces and nephews. In return, they supported her during her later years.

Esther’s best friend was her niece Cathy Perez, who she loved as a daughter. Together, Esther and Cathy explored all the avenues of life. Sometimes it was simply a discount shopping spree. Sometimes they would style each other’s hair. Sometimes it was simply finding the best places to eat in Fresno. Cathy was the light of Esther’s life, Esther’s unsung hero, her guardian angel. Everyone deserves a Cathy in their lives.

Esther is survived by her son, Steve, of San Diego, and his wife, Marla; her grandson, Lucas, his wife, Sydney, and her great grandchildren Skylar and Sterling of Paradise Valley, Arizona; her sisters, Vickie Gamino of Stockton, Alice Vasquez of Fresno, and Nancy Vigil of Poway. Esther was predeceased by her soulmate of 61 years Robert Lango who passed in 2018; her parents, Monico and Maria Ruiz; and siblings Zickiel, Carmen, Lena, Gary, and Virginia; and her nieces, nephews, and friends who left us far too early.

To call Esther a friend was a blessing. And for Esther to reciprocate that friendship was the ultimate affirmation. Esther believed that the purpose of life was to live a life with purpose. Esther certainly taught all of us to live each day with a purpose. We were all loved. We were all nurtured. And she will be missed. Esther was truly the lifelong gift.

Visitation will be held at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, from 4:00p.m. to 7:00p.m. with the Recitation of the Holy Rosary to be recited at 6:00pm.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at 10:00a.m. Interment to follow at St. Peter's Cemetery with a reception following.