Esther Mae Nawrocki's Obituary
Obituary Esther Nawrocki: May 14, 1923 to October 21, 2018
Esther Mae (Miller) Nawrocki, devoted wife, mother and friend, died on October 21, 2018, leaving behind a grateful and loving family who will miss her deeply. Esther Nawrocki is preceded in death by her best friend and husband, Edward F. Nawrocki. She is survived by her 3 children, Janice Lyons (Gary), David Nawrocki, Donna Nawrocki and two grandchildren, Michael Lyons (Michelle), and Scott Lyons. Beyond her immediate family, she leaves behind many others who loved and cherished her. She touched many through every facet of her life, and while her physical body is gone, her spirit will live on in all of us.
Esther was the consummate volunteer throughout her life. In recent years she could be found at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church acting as volunteer driver, greeter, and bake sale coordinator. She was one of the first Welcome Ambassadors at Salishan Retirement Community. If you were new to the community, you would soon meet Esther!
She was the “wind beneath our wings” in all thing’s family. She was the ultimate cheerleader and caregiver, putting the needs of her family before herself. And while she loved her kids, her grandkids were “perfect” in her eyes!
Esther loved to be “on the go” and if the car was moving you could guarantee she was in it, no matter the destination! Her goal was to visit every National Park in the US; a goal she almost accomplished before her husband and travel partner of over 40 years passed away. She was a talented seamstress, with her handmade quilts being true award winners. Whether hosting a family gathering or taking the “welcome wagon” on the road, her pies and fried chicken were always the center of any feast. But don’t ask for the recipe to any of her dishes, because she never used one!
Esther grew up in Theodosia, Missouri, the granddaughter of a Baptist Minister and farmer. She made her way to the big city of Springfield, Missouri and eventually Wilmington, Delaware where she met and married her husband, Air Force Sergeant, Edward Nawrocki. Life as an Air Force wife brought many moves, many challenges, and many joys. She embraced it all, just as she did with everything in life. With every move she left a little piece of herself behind, and in doing so, left footprints on the souls of all those she touched.
Esther Nawrocki’s life was about faith and family. Her indelible spirit will live on. We are changed now, not because she is gone, but because she lived!
Esther requested cremation. There will not be a viewing. Memorial Services will be held at Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 2301 Deltona Blvd. Spring Hill, FL 34606 | 352-683-2010 on Friday, November 9, 2018 at 1:00 pm. Family, and friends coming in from out of state, contact Donna Nawrocki or David Nawrocki for additional details. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to “Stand Up 2 Cancer” (https://standuptocancer.org/faq/ Go to the section on making a tribute donation.) or the Council on Aging of Buncombe County, 46 Sheffield Circle, Asheville, NC 28803.
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