Esther Grace Strasser

Esther Grace Strasser
Esther Grace Strasser, 98, died peacefully December 7, 2008, surrounded by her family.

Born in Dayton, Ohio, on December 1, 1910, she was a longtime resident of Columbus, Ohio, and Clearwater, Florida. She moved to Akron Manor Care in 2006. She was a wonderful, kind and loving woman. A wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, she gently touched the lives of many people. She was essentially shy, but given an audience she blossomed.

She is survived by her daughters, Mary Briggs of Akron and Martha Jolley of Columbus; grandchildren, John Briggs, Jennifer Jared Jenkins and John Courtney Jolley, Lisa Tom Bates; great-grandchildren, Wilson, Caleb, Olivia, Reagan, Jack and Kyle. She lived beyond her husband, Carl; her brothers, Dr. William Lee and James Lee; her parents, Harry and Mary Smith Lee; her friends in Columbus and Clearwater, and her special companion of many years, George Radar.

Esther was a health enthusiast before it became fashionable, working at a spa as an "older" personal trainer. She was in great physical condition until the last few years of her life, having fun, dancing at the Clearwater Beach Hotel, dining at the Diamond Grille, and even being wooed into her 80's.

Some knew her as "Great Esther," and she truly was. She has given her family many gifts of love and we miss her dearly.

There will be a private memorial service for the family. Friends and family are invited to share in a celebration of Esther's life at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 13, 2008, at 29 Putnam Road. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Children's Hospital of Akron, One Perkins Square, 44308, in her memory or to a charity of your choice.

A special thank you to Manor Care Nursing Home and Heartland Hospice for their love and gentle care.

"As you move through the days and years of your life, you do not go unnoticed. You leave a trail, an impression, footprints..unquestionable proof that you existed...in the lives of those around you."