Esther Garcia Quintana-Araujo

Surrounded by her loved ones, Esther Quintana Araujo passed away in Salem, Oregon, on Friday, December 12th, 2014. She was 84 years old. After battling cancer for the 3rd time in her life, she was too weak to continue forward in her bodily journey. Although she is passed from earthly family and friends, she is in the arms of Jesus visiting with many loved ones who went on before her. Esther's love for her fellow man was made even more evident while suffering through her difficult cancer treatments, fighting terrible pain, she never lost sight of ministering to, and loving others. When family, friends, doctors, and nurses entered her hospital room to offer Esther comfort and support, they most often left the room feeling as if they themselves were the ones supported by Esther's loving-kindness and concern. She was always in prayer, always sharing with others about God's unconditional love and mercy. Esther will be dearly and sorely missed.

She was born in Huntington Beach, California to Francisco and Cecilia Garcia, and was the seventh of twelve children.

She married Anthony Reyes Quintana in 1957 and had two daughters, Deborah and Esther, who she loved with all her heart. She lived her life totally devoted to God and in raising her daughters alone. She put herself through college, getting her degree in education at Pasadena Community College. While living in California she worked as a Head Start teacher. Esther and her girls moved to Oregon in 1975.

She worked for the Salem-Keizer School District for over 20 years touching the lives of many families in the community and coworkers throughout her career.

Esther finally retired, but kept herself busy crocheting blankets, riding a scuba scooter in Hawaii, parasailing, she learned how to use her iphone & ipad, she enjoyed watching both professional sports and her grand & great grandchildren play sports. She remarried in 1997 to her family friend from church that she had known since in her teens, George Valentine Araujo. What kept her most busy in retirement was her constant prayers for her family and friends. She was a prayer warrior, and was always there to call upon when you needed prayer.

Esther is survived by her brother Henry Garcia, sister Evangeline Lopez, brother David Garcia, children Deborah and husband Rudy Godina, Esther and husband Jary Neufeldt, grandchildren Desiree and husband Todd Holcomb, Jessica and husband Jonah Hanson, Jaclyn and Jaremy Neufeldt, great-grandchildren Garrett and Gaven Feusner, and many loving cousins, nieces and nephews.

Celebration of life will be held Monday, December 29th at 6:00 PM at Salem Alliance Church, 555 Gaines St. NE, Salem, Oregon 97301