Esther Moran Wilson

Born in Hermann, MO, she was the daughter of Mark & Anna Moran.

Esther was preceded in death by her husband, Arnaud (Bud) Wilson and sister, Jeanette Moran, of the Norte Dame order of nuns, and son Dr. Mark P. Wilson. She leaves behind her children, Dr. Kate Faulkner, Arnaud Wilson, Mary Schmedeman, Dr. Tom Wilson, 10 Grandchildren, and 5 Great Grandchildren.

Esther graduated with a degree in nursing from St. Louis University, eventually settling in Wichita, KS to raise five children.

In 1969, Bud and Esther started a manufacturer’s representative agency. When Bud lost his vision due to diabetes, Esther stepped into the outside sales role, despite women in a business role in Wichita, KS being unheard of at that time.

After Bud’s passing, she enjoyed traveling with three close friends from Wichita, and for many years they combined their love of bridge with trips around the United States.

Esther continued to grow the family business and transitioned it to daughter, Mary, before moving to Florida in 1991. Unable to simply retire, she became a long-term board member of the Islands West Condominium on Longboat Key, serving in many different capacities including president. She published a newsletter for the condominium and mastered the emerging personal computer with ease.

The community at Islands West will always remember Esther as the woman that swam every day. Her daily swims led to lasting friendships with other Islands West residents who would join her for gentle exercise and enjoyable conversation.

Moving to the Spires at Berry College in Rome, GA at the beginning of COVID, Esther continued her lifelong dedication to daily exercise, swimming, and walking. She lived in independent housing with the strong support of Tom and his wife Judy, and the help of Aubrey, her trusted aide. She enjoyed interacting with the outstanding, caring Spires Staff, and from building maintenance to concierge everyone was happy to assist Esther in living a full, independent life even as her vision deteriorated.

Esther was a lifelong, practicing Catholic. She was a member of St Thomas Aquinas in Wichita, KS, St. Mary, Star of the Sea in Longboat Key, FL, and St. Mary’s in Rome, GA.

A Funeral Mass will be conducted on Thursday, March 21, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Friends and family are cordially invited to a visitation following the service at St. Mary's parish hall.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Rome GA.

Daniel's Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Esther Moran Wilson.