Esther R. Wortell

Esther Ruth Wortell, nee Gerber, passed away peacefully on January 9th, 2024 with her family by her side. Wife of the late Marvin R. Wortell, Esther was the loving mother of Sue Wortell (the late Rob) Uppole, Brent (Kathy) Wortell, Janet (Michael) Seigle, and Holly (Jeff Martin) Wortell. She was the cherished grandmother of Danny (Hillary), Rachel, David (Lauren), Becca (Andrew), Jeremy (Ivy), and Joe. A proud great grandmother to Penny, Elliot, Serena, Dahlia, and Perry. Esther was preceded in death by her siblings, Mary G. (Norman) Oppenheim, Sam (Rose) Gerber and Ann Gerber (Bernie) Kaplan.

Esther Wortell was born in Chicago on September 14, 1921, the youngest of four children to Yetta and Joseph Gerber. She attended Senn High School and grew up on Hollywood Street off of Lakeshore Drive. After graduating from Chicago Teacher’s College, she became a dedicated grade school teacher in Chicago. It was in 1952 that she met Marvin Wortell, also of Chicago, and they tied the knot.

Together, they built a life in Skokie, raising four children. In 1966, the family moved into a newly built house in Wilmette at the corner of Crawford and Old Glenview Rd. Esther resided in that house until 2023, making her the longest-known original occupant of all the houses built in West Wilmette in the 1960s – an impressive 57 years! At the age of 102, Esther leaves behind a legacy of warmth and love.

Esther and Marvin shared a passion for travel, exploring national and international destinations. Family trips to national parks, the Caribbean, and cross-country sightseeing are cherished memories. Esther instilled in her children a love for reading, history, animals and a curiosity about the world.

In the 1970s, Esther became a pioneer in healthy eating, co-founding a Nutrition group on the North Shore. Esther advocated for organic foods, avoiding chemicals, artificial colors, flavors, etc. Her popular column, "Live and Be Well, By Esther Wortell," in the local papers, reflected her passion for a healthy lifestyle.

Esther remained active well into her 90s, driving, tending to her yard and pool, and reading the Chicago Tribune daily. An inspiration to her family, Esther we will always carry your memory in our hearts. You leave behind a legacy of love, laughter, and a zest for life that will be cherished by all who knew her.