Esther Gilbert

Esther Gilbert was born on January 25, 1922. She was born in Romania while she and her parents, Israel and Brushka Portnoy, were travelling from Ukraine to Constantinople to embark for the United States. They arrived on November 1st, 1923. Esther was one year old.

Esther grew up in Brooklyn, NY, and as a single girl child was doted on and sheltered. She went to school and attended Hunter College for two years until she met Lewis Gilbert. They were married and stayed together for 60 years until his death in 1997. Esther had three children Michael (Diane), Gary (dec. 2022) and Debbi (Art). We gave Mom a passel of grandchildren: Jennifer, Zachary (Michelle), Josh (dec. 2000), Matt (Audrey), Lauren (Jake), and Ann-Lise (Kevin). This led to great-grandchildren Sam & Max, Dalia and Ronen, Leo and Vivi, and Adam. This is not to mention Michael’s stepchildren, especially Emma, who was devoted to her and who she considered her great-grandchildren.

Lew and Esther were very socially active with a large circle of interesting and fun-loving friends. I remember well often falling asleep to the sound of conversation, laughter, and the tinkle of ice in glasses. This group called themselves the FSMCC, the Friendly Social Marching and Club, and often took holidays together. Summers from the time I was an infant were spent at the bungalow colony Toro Hill Lodge where mom and us kids would stay all summer and Lew and the other dads would come up on weekends. They were all young and loved to party and carry on, which they did with elan.

Once we kids were older mom began working. Since she had always helped dad in his accounting practice, so she was an accomplished bookkeeper. She worked for several years at a delicatessen in lower Manhattan which we seem to recall was named Switzer’s. We had lots of pastrami, one of mom’s enduring loves. Later she went to work as office manager for a law firm involved with mergers and acquisitions, where they adored her. They always wanted to give her raises, but she would refuse and explain she’d rather take the company AmEx card when she travelled to see us. We all had many fine dinners thanks to mom and her bosses.

Sometime around 1980 dad retired and mom and he moved out of New York to Coconut Creek, Florida where they moved into a growing retirement development. Once again, they found themselves amidst a group of friends who loved to party and go out to dinner. I mean, hey, how could you resist those early bird specials. Visiting them in Florida became a ritual, especially for Deb and me, and their first grandchildren, Jenny and Zack would fly down on their own and stay with them, as did Matt and Loryn. Mom and Dad loved to travel, and they went on many trips including China, Japan, and two African photo Safaris, as well as innumerable cruises.

Things changed for Esther in 1997 when Lew passed away. For the first time in her life she was on her own but rose to the challenge. She’d visit us kids and play with her great grandchildren. She loved visiting me in Mexico once I retired. At 95 she travelled on her own to celebrate her birthday with us. We threw a party in a restaurant, and she was the centre of attention – something she always loved.

Mom was vibrant and alert with a sharp mind until almost the end. She had a long and full life rich with family, friends, and joy. She will be missed by all of us.

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