Esther Plotkin

Esther Plotkin was one of the most stylish (would design clothes), artful, caring, kind, and helpful people. She made sure everything was done to perfection. This was especially true with her amazing Mandel bread. Esther was born to Louis and Bessie on December 23, 1937 in Chicago, Illinois. She grew up on the South Side of Chicago in the South Shore area. There is so much that happened in her lifetime, and there is simply no way one could possibly reiterate the life Esther led in a single speech.

When Esther came of age, she decided to attend The Art Institute of Chicago which couldn’t have been a better fit for her creativity and passion for design. After graduating, she soon found work at Bramson’s Clothing Store in the bridal department. She would continue in this field of clothing and later jewelry sales.

When she wasn’t working you would find Esther baking in the kitchen, needlepointing, or visiting with her neighbors and friends.

It was also one of her greatest joys in life to make Mandel bread and bring it to everyone who knew her. She shared this with the owner of UPS, doctor’s offices, family, friends, but would make a special container for Marty Grais who ooo’d and awe’d and kept it in his home safe. It was that valuable to him. This was the wonderful thing about Esther - she brightened other people's lives with her gifts of talent.

Her brother Gerald expresses how he and Esther were not just siblings, but best friends. They traveled together to visit their long-distance relatives. Four years ago, when Esther was first diagnosed with cognitive impairment, Gerald began his new journey of care taking. This past year and a half has been quite challenging to say the least. Esther slowly began to not recognize those around her and began to lose her physical abilities.

Although Renee was not a sibling, she has many fond memories of enjoying life with Esther, too many to share and not nearly enough time to. But I can tell you these special memories will forever be held in her heart.

Thank you to all of you, for all of the support, encouragement, and words of comfort over during this difficult time.

A graveside service for Esther will be held Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at 1 PM at Waldheim Cemetery, 1400 Des Plaines Avenue, Forest Park, Illinois, 60130.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.weinsteinfuneralhomes.com for the Plotkin family.