Esther Mae Hannah

Esther was born to the late Edmund and Clara (Eckerle) Richard on August 26, 1936 in Lake Leelanau, and the last of her 11 siblings - Olivia, Caroline, Genevieve, Mary, Raymond, Louis, Dorothy, Philip, Leo, and two infants (Rita and William) to join her loving Savior. She grew up on the family homestead, helping her parents not only in the kitchen but taking care of the farm animals and gardens. When she was in high school, she came to live with her relatives, working at Farmer Grant’s which is where she began her career in the food industry. She worked at Kroger for many years, starting as a cashier and eventually being promoted to Deli Manager, always putting the customer first. Esther retired in 1997.

Esther married Earl Eugene Glenn in 1958 and had two sons, Eugene Glenn and Earl Glenn. The marriage dissolved. On August 24, 1974, she married the love of her life, Norman Hannah, and was married for 26 years before he preceded her in death. They did a bit of travelling and visited Hawaii, Gulf Shores Alabama and numerous trips to northern Michigan. For several years, they enjoyed being on a bowling league with good friends.

Esther loved to cook and bake and was very generous by sharing what she made with others. She was especially known for her pies and cookies. Esther enjoyed canning fruits and vegetables, making the best applesauce. She was an avid card and game player and cherished this time with her family and friends. Esther enjoyed planting flowers and had a natural ability for making her flower beds look beautiful. She enjoyed making crafts on and off throughout her life. Even though Esther was sensitive and conscientious, she had a sense of humor about her, and could be quick-witted. Esther was a very giving person and she was an aunt and surrogate mother for many of her nieces and nephews.

She was a devoted Catholic having attended St. Mary of The Assumption Catholic Church, Lake Leelanau, St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Ann Arbor, MI, St. Catherine of Siena Roman Catholic Church, Phoenix, AZ, St. Joseph Catholic Parish, Dexter, MI and St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea, MI. She sang in the choir, served on the funeral luncheon staff, helped as assistant Sacristan, was a Eucharistic Minister at daily mass and participated in the Marian Prayer Group. She loved serving her Lord.

Esther is survived by her loving children and step-children, Eugene (Christine) Glenn, Earl (Cathy) Glenn, Errol Glenn (surrogate son), Susan Barker, Steven (Jan) Hannah, Jeffrey (Janet) Hannah, Jill Bennett and Jordan (Divine) Hannah; 23 grandchildren, Justin, Annika, Keegan, Renny, Keelie, Jason, Jamie, Tracy, Brian, Erica, Andy, Chad, Zachary, Luke, Christopher, Elizabeth, Melissa (deceased), David, Joey, Johnny, April, Brooke (deceased) and Autumn; 14 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. She loved caring for her family and prepared countless meals over the years for them. She graciously hosted many Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings.

A Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate Esther and her siblings will be held Saturday, May 18th, 2024. Visitation will begin at 10am and the mass will start at 11am at St. Joseph Catholic Parish Village Church, 3430 Dover St, Dexter, MI 48130.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Chelsea Retirement Community, 805 W. Middle St., Chelsea, MI 48118. Please reference Kresge Skilled Nursing.