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In Memory

Esther Bole (Robinson) - Class Of 1947 VIEW PROFILE

Esther Bole (Robinson)

 

Esther Louise Bole – Robinson

Esther Louise Bole – Robinson, of Littleton, CO. passed away on March 31, 2022, at the age of 92. Esther was born the year of the “Great Crash” on June 20, 1929, to the late Ralph H. and Mildred V. (Strong) Bole in South Bend, IN.

She was the oldest of four children and was raised in the River Park neighborhood. She graduated high school from John Adams. She would meet her husband, Berry Rodney Robinson who passed in 2014 on a blind date and they were married in April 1949. To this union they had two daughters, Linda (Richard) Robinson-Bowers of Leesburg, FL, and Paula (Craig) Robinson-Aero of Littleton, CO., who survive.

Along with her daughters, Esther is survived by her granddaughter, Kelly DeFauw of Littleton, CO., grandson, Richard (Ana) Bowers II of Alpharetta, GA, and 3 great grandchildren, Kierra, Madison, Kaid, and 2 great-great grandchildren, Elias and Lyla. She also leaves behind her brother, Herman (Vera) Bole of Phoenix, AZ. Esther was preceded in death by her great grandsons, Cameron, and Preston Bowers, along with her sister Betty Bole Montgomery in 1998, brothers, Frank Gene Bole in 1984 and half-brother, Earl Henry Smith.

Esther was a very hard worker from her starting in her youth. She often mentioned of the housekeeping and the babysitting of her siblings. Esther and Berry were very hard workers together. They became homeowners at a young age in Mishawaka and when their kids were just babies, they bought a piece of land on Donnell Lake. They both worked full-time jobs in South Bend and somehow managed their Mishawaka home and still found time to drive to the lake in Vandalia, MI. every weekend to work on the house they would build together, of course with a little help from their friends.

Esther went to work for the South Bend School Corp. in her late 20’s. She was a very great employee and loved her job and loved all the people she worked with including all the kids thru the years. Even earning the title of Top Administrative Secretary of Riley High School. To many, she was known as Queen Esther, but you could always count on her to get the job done!

When Esther and Berry were in their late 30’s they decided to buy another piece of land in Winding Brook Park. They, again, built another beautiful home. The couple decided they had different dreams and would eventually go their separate ways. Esther decided she had worked her young life so much it was time for a change. So, she got with a group in town and went to tour Europe. She had the time of her life, met new friends and toured Hawaii a year or two later and loved it all! From there she vacationed when she could, spent time with family and friends. She really became quite a shining star at Riley High School. With loving her job so much, she retired after 42 years of service. During her service, she led the march of protest, fought for a union for better wages and conditions for secretaries across the area. They had success and she was so proud. She retired at 71 years of age and rumor has it they hired 3 people to fill her position!

Her deep desire was to live to be 100 years old. She was little more than two months shy of 93 when she passed. She had a great goal in life. Esther lived most all her life in Indiana, the land she loved. Her last 7 years of her life she spent with her daughter, Paula in Colorado, only passing after complications of a stroke.

Her favorites in life were her dogs, Molly Burger, Skipper, Riley, and Dublin. A cat named Skittles who survives her.

Close family held a private graveside service on Monday, April 11th at Southlawn Cemetery. Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel assisted the family with arrangements.

Memorial contributions in Esthers honor may be made to the Humane Society of St. Joseph County, 2506 Grape Road, Mishawaka, IN 46545. Esther and her family thank you!

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

Posted online on April 17, 2022

Published in South Bend Tribune

04/18/2022 EJS



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