Esther Golombeck Quint

When people say, “They don’t make ‘em like her anymore,” they no doubt had Esther Quint in mind. In her 94 years, she lived life to the fullest as a daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, cousin, and, of great importance, a friend. Esther left an indelible mark on anyone who met her, forming bonds and friendships she carried her entire life. Esther died peacefully on June 16, with her family at her side.

Esther was born in New York City to Sarah and Joseph Golombeck in 1927 and had a younger sister, Selma, who, throughout their life together, were best friends. In 1937, when Esther was almost 10, the family moved by train to Seattle, Washington, to join her mother’s brothers who were already there. When Esther graduated Broadway High School, her father had promised her a new car as a present in exchange for good grades. Needless to say, she made good on the agreement. After high school, Esther enrolled and later graduated from the University of Washington, where she pledged Phi Sigma Sigma. It was a memorable time, with many of her sorority sisters becoming friends for life.

On a blind date, Esther met Richard (Dick) Quint through her work at the Jewish Transcript newspaper. They married in 1947 and enjoyed 47 beautiful years of marriage until he passed in 1995. It was a marriage filled with memorable occasions, family celebrations, and travel adventures. Together, they carried on the tradition of Esther’s father, who owned and operated Washington Lumber Company, by starting Aqua Quip Pool Supply on a small scale at the lumber yard. From its humble beginnings, Aqua Quip has grown to a chain of 10 stores today around the Pacific Northwest. Esther enjoyed interacting with the pool customers in the retail stores and at special events.

Esther was regularly active in many organizations, including the president of Sisterhood at Temple De Hirsch, United Way, and the City of Hope. She had regular bridge and mahjong games with groups of friends. For more than 20 years, Esther’s Pan Club included the same women that met every Wednesday like clockwork. Esther and Dick had a busy social life which include plays, symphonies, film series, and dance performances. The couple had season tickets to the city’s pro sports teams and even supported the Seattle Pilots in their lone major league season. Both enjoyed playing tennis at the SuperSonics Racquet Club and later the Bellevue Athletic Club. The tennis ladies with whom she played still gather for each other’s birthdays.

Friends and family were important to Esther. She enjoyed entertaining around the family pool. Esther will be remembered for her role as a gracious hostess with impeccable social skills and manners. Esther was a docent at The Frye Art Museum, Seattle Art Museum, and The Bellevue Art Museum. Esther and Dick traveled extensively together, often for conventions for the swimming pool industry. After he passed, she traveled the globe, on cruises and trips to almost every corner of the earth.

Esther is survived by her children Kathy Weiner (Allen), Janice Quint (Alan Soble), and Brian (Nancy). She also leaves behind five grandchildren, Sarah, Adam, Megan, Carly, and Robby; and two great-grandchildren, Isaac and Quinn. She also has several loving nieces and nephews that were very special to her.

Esther’s family would like to offer a special thanks to Dr. Leland Teng for his decades of care and to Mary Kayaba for her role as a gentle and kind caregiver.

Donations can be made to the Kline Galland Home, Temple De Hirsch Sinai, or The Seattle Art Museum.