Esther Charlotte Mitchell

Growing up in Vancouver was always a point of pride for Esther and she would jump at the opportunity to regale you with a tail of the good old days. She would often reminisce about days spent on her father’s boat, chasing after her unruly sibling, and her love of the Mighty Fraser River. Being the oldest of 5 she was tough as nails and never took any guff. She was well known for her quirky catch phrases like ‘Holy Dinah’ or ‘Eeee-Gaaaads’ and her strong dislikes for things like Bananas and Ketchup.

In the early 50’s, Esther moved with her new husband William (Bill) to Ottawa where they started a family, and Esther began her career with National Research Counsel. While in Ottawa she met her lifelong friends Ann Cross, Helen Anglehart and Romaine McKay, who she would remain friends with for over 60yrs.

In 1973 Bill and Esther moved to Victoria to be closer to their families. Bill went ahead to purchase their new home while Esther made the trek west by car with her twin teen girls in tow, a road trip that would not soon be forgotten. Once in Victoria she began her career with the Provincial Government. After retiring she kept her skills sharp by working and volunteering for places like Fernwood Home Support and the Horticultural Center of the Pacific.

Esther loved to keep busy, you could often find her enthralled in some genealogy research, reading a book, wrestling with a crossword, or stooped over a jigsaw puzzle. An avid lover of the arts, a trait she shared fervently with her grandkids, you could frequently find her at the local symphony, watching a musical or humming along to her favourite tune while waving her hand as if she were the conductor.

An extremely talented seamstress, she would often boast about how she could make the latest fashion for a fraction of the cost. A fact not always appreciated by some of the younger members of the family. However, they would learn to appreciate her talents and some of her items live on as some of their favourites. In addition to sewing, Esther was accomplished in needlework, crocheting, and knitting. Making everything from sweaters to her coveted teddy bears.

Esther loved spending time with her 4 grandkids. Together they frequented the museum and enjoyed many sleepovers where they watched her favour movies, The Sound of Music, Mary Poppins or Grease and stayed up ‘till the next day’. She imparted in them a love for soft boiled eggs and Jello with whip cream. She famously hated to cook, so if you asked her, ice cream qualified as dinner.

Esther leaves behind her sister, Syliva Mantei, daughters Judith Duckmanton (Glen) and Sharon Mitchell (Robert), her grandkids Kaylee, Matthew (Dawn), Sarah, Scott (Emma), as well as many amazing nieces, nephews, grandnieces & grandnephews.

Esther was predeceased by her parents Samuel & Beatrice Crebbin, stepmother Nancy Crebbin, brothers Gordon Crebbin, Ralph Crebbin (Marge) and sister Eleanor Clarke (Gord) and brother-in-law Edmond Mantei.

Our families thank Knox Presbyterian Church for providing a sense of community and spiritual support, as well as The Summit for all the care and attentions they provided over the last few years.

A private inurnment will be held on November 1, 2024.

In leu of flowers or donations, the family asks that you set aside some time with a loved one and do something together to support the arts.

Bye, bye for now…