ForeverMissed
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This memorial website is dedicated to Esther Nyambura Mwangi  our shining star 14th Dec 1965 - 5th October 2019 . We will remember her forever.


November 11, 2019
November 11, 2019
May your body and soul rest in peace. Its a gesat honor to read and understand your work in gender and forests tenure and resources from African continent perspective and real contributions in the sector. My heartfelt condolences!
November 5, 2019
November 5, 2019
Esther you have gone too soon. A true African woman warrior, a woman on a mission. Injustice was something you could not tolerate no matter the origins or class. When I think of the definition of "intersectionality" and gender it truely epitomizes all that Esther stood for.
Thank you Esther for all that you did for so many. Your spirit lives on WARRIOR!
November 3, 2019
November 3, 2019
I have taken long to read through the messages about my friend Esther. We met through a colleague and I found out Esther already knew me. I have to mention that in the works we did, she was always passionate about doing the right thing and that whatever we did in our project work impacts society positively. RIP Esther.
October 25, 2019
October 25, 2019
Esther,
I have been quiet because it is not possible to capture in words a life such as yours. You were brilliant, kind, creative and wonderful. You set an example for so many to follow, while also nurturing their journeys. Your writing continues to inspire, and your star will shine bright always. Thank you for your countless contributions and sacrifices to make this world a better place. If we could only multiple you thousands-fold!

I will miss you. And I will miss the contributions you were to make to the book we agreed to write together before you fell silent. It is not possible to fill your shoes, but you will continue to provide inspiration to this project and many others. May you rest in peace,
Laura German
October 24, 2019
October 24, 2019
Ruth, I am very glad to hear that Esther had received Jesus Christ as her personal saviour. Although I never had the courage to ask her about this while she was still up and about, I am mighty glad!! Now I am sure Jesus Christ was by her side as she breathed her last. We will meet when the last trumpet sounds.
October 23, 2019
October 23, 2019
Dear Esther,

I learnt of your untimely demise through a friend on Facebook. I was shocked then because we had just talked on phone a few weeks before on how CIFOR and WWF can collaborate on common issues and fundraise for the same. I can now understand why you never came back to me. So sad.

My hope is that you have gone to a good place to rest and that we shall meet again when our Lord Jesus Christ comes to establish His kingdom here on earth, and that is very near. In the meantime, may your soul rest in peace. I pray for your loved ones that the Lord gives them strength to bear this great loss.
October 23, 2019
October 23, 2019
I just saw the news about Esther—I’m so sorry to hear this. I’m heartbroken—Esther was always so supportive and kind to me while I was in Kenya and was a great mentor during that time.
Even the next year, when she came to New Haven for a meeting, she reached out and we got to catch up and laugh a lot.
I’m thinking of you all and especially the team in Nairobi during this time—I imagine this is extremely difficult for everyone there.

My regards to you all, so sorry again for this.
Ethan
October 23, 2019
October 23, 2019
It is with profound shock that we at the Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD) learnt of the untimely demise of Esther. Having worked recently with her and her colleagues at CIFOR on a joint project to implement a prototype forest observatory for Eastern Africa we are indeed devastated by the sad news. Mourning her we must but I am sure that Esther would love us to soldier on and ensure that forest conservation is anchored on active community participation. Rest in peace my dear sister.
October 23, 2019
October 23, 2019
Sorry to her of Esther’s passing. I enjoyed working on a number of projects with her. Always insightful, kind and fun.
October 22, 2019
October 22, 2019
Dear Esther,

Really sad to hear of your passing. You were a champion and will be sorely missed!

Steve Ball
FSC Africa
October 22, 2019
October 22, 2019
We are already missing you dear Esther! Your amazing contributions will continue to inspire generations of scholars, practitioners, students, and farmers from around the world.
As many have said, you will always be a great source of inspiration!
Edu
October 22, 2019
October 22, 2019
These are the words of appreciation and thanks that should have been said personally, rather than too late in an obituary. So with sadness, thank you for your integrity, humour, passion for equity and rights and setting a fine example of an ambitious female scientist.
October 22, 2019
October 22, 2019
Dr Esther Mwangi initiated the partnership between CIFOR and University of Kabianga situated in the Mau Forest Catchment, Kenya. The young University's School of Natural Resource and Environmental Management got energised in her efforts to generate knowledge about the forest and people. She motivated staff and students to include communities in natural resource conservation. She supported Community Forest Associations and Water Resource Users Associations around two water towers (Mau and Mount Elgon) in revising and updating their work plans jointly. She believed, water and trees are inseparable. She has mentored many including University of Kabianga staff, Ms Naomi Njue, completing her PhD in Germany. The University of Kabianga Management, staff and students in Natural Resource and Environmental Management as well as people around water towers will certainly miss her. We pledge to continue with her spirit. RIP.
October 22, 2019
October 22, 2019
I had the privilege of working with Ester on studies on Forest and Land Tenure in Uganda since 2014, and I can confirm that she was a great mentor to me. Ugandans (local farmers, academics, researchers and people from all walks in life) will miss you dearly Esther. You left when you were still so young, and yet God had decided that your work on earth was done. I hope to meet you when I also come to that side of eternity
October 22, 2019
October 22, 2019
So sad to be reading about your passing on from the CIFOR News. Condolences to family and friends over the loss of such a champion about property rights issues on the African continent. Will be sorely missed on the IASC meetings where we used to meet over the last decades. Go well sister, you have fought a good fight.
By Frank
October 22, 2019
October 22, 2019
I learned of your demise with profound shock. May the Good Lord grant your family and loved ones peace and comfort. You shall be missed Esther!
October 22, 2019
October 22, 2019
Your work has been an inspiration to all of us following the same path of trying to understand the implications of breaking up group ranches into private parcels: why, when, how, and to what end? Your bringing Ostrom into the realm of East Africa through your collaboration helped to link work there with the wider common property and collective action domain of reflection was stimulating. The last time we met we promised to get together soon....but now that will not happen, sadly. But the value of your work will live on. Rest in peace.
October 22, 2019
October 22, 2019
My heartfelt condolences to Dr Easther Mwangi’s family, relatives friends and the conservation family where she belonged.
Esther, it is with a heavy heart that I learnt of your untimely departure.

I will forever treasure the warm and cordial working relationship between yourself at Gigiri (CIFOR) and me in Karura (KFS). Your push for gender and inclusivity in the Forestry sector was epitomized in our joint participation and presentations locally and internationally during my tenure as Chief Conservator of Forests.

I will forever cherish your incisive interrogation of the policies and status quo of the sector, humbly and firmly not only in formal gatherings, but even in social settings.

RIP my sister. I will miss your professionalism
October 22, 2019
October 22, 2019
Dear Esther, I am shocked.

I t was in 2013-2014, I was seeking for research grant and I found online that you were Ostrom’s PhD student and I was really interested in Ostrom understanding of common pool resources. I contacted you and I fill like I already knew you. So, I understood that a PhD student is an international citizen.
Rest in peace
October 22, 2019
October 22, 2019
Dear Family and Friends of Esther,

So sad to hear this news. We will miss Esther and be forever inspired by her work. A real loss.

Thank you Esther for being the champion that you were.

Lini
October 22, 2019
October 22, 2019
The world has lost a precious gem, a woman who was a special gift to it. Ester was uniquely in touch with the deep pulses of our times, the ones that open doors to a better future. Our loss of her is unmeasurable. Deborah
October 20, 2019
October 20, 2019
Dear friends and family of Esther:

I was shocked to learn the news of Esther's passing and it has taken me some time to recover to write this note. I knew Esther though joint work we did through CIFOR on the environmental impacts of different property rights regimes, but had known of her important & influential work for much longer than that. In working together, we learned of our common intellectual lineage in Elinor Ostrom and having been at adjacent Universities in the US midwest (Indiana & Illinois) at the same time. I learned much from Esther in our relatively short time working together. For example, I especially appreciated how she would push in her questions to a point where my and others' thinking and positions became clear, not giving up too early or at a superficial level of understanding. I also appreciated how she brought out the human side of scholarship: I fondly recall meals at her house and listening to music from different parts of Africa with her.

I am so sorry for your-- and our collective-- loss in her passing. Please accept my sincere condolences. 

May her memory and example live on among us and beyond.

Sincerely,

Daniel Miller
October 20, 2019
October 20, 2019
Oh Esther!

What makes this news even more tragic and shocking to me is the fact that I did not know that you were fighting this most devastating disease. But that also attests to your indomitable strength. I look back to the friendship we shared and wish we had more time together to follow up the many ideas we touched on whenever we met. May your soul rest in perpetual peace, and may your inspiration live on. My prayers and condolences to your family, relatives and friends. We are all better off for having met and interacted with you.
October 18, 2019
October 18, 2019
My sincere condolences to Esther's family, friends, and colleagues. Though I didn't know her well, Esther brought a unique, important and strong perspective to our work together. I was very impressed with and grateful for her research. I am terribly saddened by her passing, which leaves a tremendous hole.
October 18, 2019
October 18, 2019
Rest in peace my dear friend, you will be missed.
Thank you for the time we shared at CIFOR, the laughter, the stress and gossip. I am lucky to have known you.
October 15, 2019
October 15, 2019
I am so shocked by Esther's demise. You were a great person! Thanks for giving me a chance to work with you even though I couldn't take up the position then. I will forever be grateful. I thought we would work together in future but sadly this won't be happening any more. Thanks for showing us the way. Your legacy will live forever. Rest in peace.
October 15, 2019
October 15, 2019
I have, in my thoughts, lit a candle for Esther and pray that she finds comfort from the love surrounding her. This is a time of sorrow for the near and dear ones of Esther. In this hour, I am with the family of Esther and I convey my condolences. 
Vijai Sharma
Member, CIFOR-ICRAF Common Board
October 14, 2019
October 14, 2019
Dear Esther, nashukuru sana. I am lucky to have met you, first at IFPRI, then again in Cochabamba and Los Baños, meeting with you Elinor and Ruth. You invited me to Durbin for Forest Day and Women, and saw each other in Lima. In person or through email, it felt like we had been in touch yesterday. Your smile, force, sincerity and passion for connecting knowledge and action for change will always be with us. Corinne
October 14, 2019
October 14, 2019
My dear Sister, friend, school mate,

What just happened? I can’t process this, i’ve been trying to come to terms with your departure and the fact that I did not know that you were fighting a battle - bravely- on your own. I don’t know how to mourn you. I am reminded again that you were a better friend to me than I was yours. You always checked on me, looked out for me, hoping that we would rekindle our friendship. I would always promise to follow up, to call you back. You never judged me or gave up on me. You said you understood. When I look back the times we spent together were the best of times - high school and when we started our careers. I am so proud of you, the tributes speak to who you were and your legacy. I now realize I was absent far too long. I wish I had been there for you as much as you hoped I would be; cheering you on, listening to your humorous anecdotes, laughing with you, arguing with you, celebrating your successes, praying with you, praying for you. I missed your friendship when we were not together and I miss you even more now that you’re gone. It is God’s will. Who am I to question God’s will. To every thing there is a season (Ecclesiastes 3:1-15). Rest my sister, my friend, my school mate. Rest. Till we meet again in the streets of gold.
Betty M’Maitsi
October 14, 2019
October 14, 2019
My most deeply felt condolences to the family , friends and colleagues of Dr.Esther.

Death is sad, even though its a destination we all share. Still, nothing can erase your deeds "Daktari" .

Your love and support towards Gender, Environment, Community work and many more will never go unappreciated .

You were soft but strong woman. I have lost a friend and a mentor.

R.I.P DAKTARI
October 14, 2019
October 14, 2019
Dr. Esther Mwangi,
I am still shocked by your untimely, unexpected demise.
I first met Esther in 2017 when I joined CIFOR as an intern. I would later and over the two years work closely with her. I loved the zeal with which Esther loved her work. The unmoved conviction and commitment on the duty she undertook. Many times you believed in the people you worked with and you wanted the best out of each. I am most grateful for your 'push' to give
excellent results.... this has left me a better person. I remember one day when you were flying to Uganda and asked me to prepare a report to be ready on your touch down to Uganda for a meeting that you were attending. Having not been in the science field, I first freaked out and was not sure what you expected but your guidance made me crack it somehow! Thank you.
I loved how you incorporated me in your research work. Through this I appreciated your commitment to environment conservation.
We had many interactions at the office and she showed great concerned of the entire team at the Nairobi office.

I will greatly miss you, go thee well.. till we meet again!
October 14, 2019
October 14, 2019
Dearest family, friends and colleagues of Esther,

Sincerest condolences for the loss of our dear sister Esther. We will all transition some day so although not unexpected it always comes a shock. Why Esther? Why now? What is the sense of it? Tears, empathy and social bonds help - as can all the tributes being posted.

What a privilege and joy to have known Esther. Her death brings closure to her coping with harsh realities of cancer but not closure to her influence on us all. Esther brought a refreshing intensity to all our lives. She was intensely professional, intensely principled, intensely giving and intensely passionate for so many things. Esther was a social scientist not just by discipline but also in her social approach to relationships. 

Esther was always so courageous in her opinions and remarks. Why hold back when so much needs changing was her motto. Speaking truth to power and hearing truth from colleagues, friends and beneficiaries were two of her brilliant hallmarks.

We miss Esther greatly for her energising presence, her warm compassion and her progressive thinking. But for family, friends and colleagues who knew her will shall never miss remembering her dearly.

May Esther's soul rest in peace.

Tony Simons
CIFOR-ICRAF
October 12, 2019
October 12, 2019
My dear Esther, I remember … I remember that when you recently joined CIFOR, you enjoyed teasing people who sent emails in a language other than English, by replying in Swahili. There were some funny stories, notably one about someone looking for a chainsaw … A reply to all in Spanish, then in Swahili and in Chinese. So, I’ll now continue writing this tribute to you in French with the hope to get sometime somewhere a reply from you in Swahili.

Ma chère Esther, tu resteras à jamais une amie d’exception, avec qui j’ai partagé d’incroyables conversations, des moments agréables, heureux et relaxants. J’ai énormément de peine de te savoir partie, je souhaite de tout mon cœur que tu n’aies pas trop souffert. Tu vas me manquer, lors de futures réunions du CIFOR à Bogor ou bien ici à Lima où tu nous rendais visite. Mes pensées iront vers toi lorsque je revisiterai à nouveau les endroits où nous avons partagé des moments ensembles ; et ce ne sera pas toujours facile. Ma chère Esther, où que tu sois je te souhaite la paix et le bonheur.

Mimi wako, Kristell
October 12, 2019
October 12, 2019
I was shocked and saddened to learn about Esther's passing. Esther was (or at least acted!) impressed by my remote collaborative work with her while I was in graduate school, and I was humbled (even a bit confused!) by her enthusiasm to collaborate further with me. It felt great to be respected by a senior colleague early on in my career, and it made me more confident as I moved forward.

I enjoyed our in-person conversations, Esther, and I know that you were an important mentor and supporter for friends of mine who worked in Bogor. It's a tragedy that we've lost you so soon, and I will remember you fondly, both privately and in community with others who knew you.
October 12, 2019
October 12, 2019
Our heartfelt condolences and prayers to the family. RIP Dr. Esther Mwang! You will be remembered forever. - vkn -
October 11, 2019
October 11, 2019
I knew Esther as a friend and colleague. She was brilliant, kind, and patient. I'll always remember her calm, firm demeanor and her contagious laugh. She was a great person and I will miss her. But I won't forget her.
October 11, 2019
October 11, 2019
When people talk of girls night out what comes into their mind is dancing in club our definition of girls night out was food fun laughter over few drinks in the house as we assess our man crushes and day dream about whose wedding will be first over movies we don't even remember the names to.

Daktari opened her house on a weekend to total strangers who were friends to her niece to be able to have a sleepover yes big kids do have sleepovers. She gave us access to everything and told us if something is missing we tell her to stock up you know ladies with icecream.... We ordered for more....

We had wine, ice-cream, chocolate and snacks in plenty, we ended up talking, watching movies and laughing all night.

The next day we had a major throwdown in her kitchen over laughter and trying out recipes from a cookbook she had... Cucu Ndunge - and as Daktari called her mama, loved her lunch that day.

Thank you for opening your doors to strangers, and making your home ours too. You told us to be go-getters, enjoy life and cherish friendships, that is exactly what we will do!!!

Rest Well!!
Lavine K Perez.
October 11, 2019
October 11, 2019
Dear Christina, Elijah, and Jael,

Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing of your sister Esther Mwangi. She was a dear and respected colleague during the time that I worked at the Center for International Forestry Research in Indonesia. She and I overlapped in Indonesia roughly in the period 2010 to 2013. She was a brilliant, courageous, and principled scientist observing the human condition on planet Earth. She was also an intrepid fighter for human decency, rights, and gender justice. She will be sorely missed. I wish you solace at this time of grief.

Sincerely,

William Sunderlin
October 11, 2019
October 11, 2019
I was so saddened by the shocking news of Esther’s physical passing. We joined IFPRI around the same time and was so sad to hear her leaving at the time but to pursue a better and beautiful pathway which marked many, many lives. She will be remembered fondly by many and she endures for future generations in her work and ideas that changed lives. I only wish for her life not to have been cut so short, yet stars shine bright and beautiful with a glow that transcends time and space… We will miss you Esther!!! Farewell!!! Hope your family will receive the balm of hope and peace in these trying times… 
October 11, 2019
October 11, 2019
You are probably looking down from heaven; sending out smiles and laughter. So glad we met at our Kenya High School class reunion (Boma Hotties) early this year after so many years...was actually looking forward to meeting you again at our next one! Your mission here on earth has made a great difference in peoples lives...your legacy lives on.
October 11, 2019
October 11, 2019
I first met Esther in 1995 at IFPRI, when she was an intern. I was a more senior advisor to a new research initiative that she was hired to help. She was unusual in that room because she was African and she was a woman. She was also unusual in that room because she knew the realities of the communities and women that we were all supposed to helping, and she was relentless in making sure the rest of us heard what she was saying. Her quick wit, great smile, and big, warm laugh helped soften the spears she was throwing of course, part of the beautiful combination that made her so loved and so effective. I knew then that the world had been blessed with an unusual and great new gift and that she was going to shake things up and make a big difference. 

We became friends then, and I’ve been very honored over the years that she would occasionally call me and ask for advice about her career. It has been a been a tremendous pleasure for me to see how she grew in confidence and influence over the years – a young African woman succeeding in and reshaping the white, male, dominated field of forestry research. She was born smart of course, and we all saw that she had an unusual amount of grit and determination, but I know that behind all of that, was you, her family, her sisters and brother that cajoled her and egged her on: the real source of her strength and vision, and confidence – and for that I and many others in the world will be eternally grateful to you.



Thank you for giving us your sister. She’s sorely missed but lives on.

Andy White
October 11, 2019
October 11, 2019
On behalf of the Rights and Resources Initiative and the Rights and Resources Group, we wanted to express our deepest condolences and sympathies to you and the rest of your family for your recent loss.

She was a treasured friend and highly respected leader in our field, and we are deeply saddened by her sudden passing.

Please know our thoughts are with all of you during this difficult time.

Warm regards,
Claire Biason-Lohier
October 11, 2019
October 11, 2019
I was one of Esther’s workmates, and was shocked and saddened by the news of her death. I’d come to know Esther when she was working on the CAPRI project in the mid-2000s. Later, when she joined CIFOR, we continued working together. I particularly appreciated her more recent work on adaptive collaborative management, an approach I’d led when we started it at CIFOR. 


She was an admirable woman, with strong opinions, which I appreciated. We had many lively discussions over the years and I respected her opinions. I remember one time I was feeling admiration for her and I told her how important her contribution was, as an educated, African woman. The fact that she found this irritating---she objected, saying I was holding her responsible for all African womanhood---was a perspective I’d never considered. She often had perspectives and insights that had not occurred to me. I very much valued both her friendship and having her as a colleague. She will be sorely missed.

It’s so painful to lose someone… I will miss her.

Sincerely, Carol
October 11, 2019
October 11, 2019
Esther Mwangi was a dear and respected colleague during the time that I worked at the Center for International Forestry Research in Indonesia. She and I overlapped in Indonesia roughly in the period 2010 to 2013.

She was a brilliant, courageous, and principled scientist observing the human condition on planet Earth. She was also an intrepid fighter for human decency, rights, and gender justice.

She will be sorely missed.

I wish you solace at this time of grief.

Sincerely,
William Sunderlin
October 11, 2019
October 11, 2019
Esther is no longer here with us but her nice smile, strong commitment to what ever assignment was at her desk will live us us forever. I first met Esther when she was still working at KWS. I was carrying her admission letter from Prof. Lin Ostrom (our mentor) to Indiana University at Bloomington. This was way back in the early 1990s. Since then we have achieved a lot together. The School of Forestry at Makerere University, The Staff at the Forest Sector Department in the Ministry of Water and Environment and the local governments and local communities in Uganda where Esther conducted her research will all greatly miss Esther
October 10, 2019
October 10, 2019
Dear Esther,
I am stunned and deeply saddened by your passing. Our friendship over the years has meant so much to me. It gives me solace to see how many people you have similarly impacted, and how your dedication and passion lives on through those who have had the great fortune to know you and work with you. May you Rest In Peace.
October 10, 2019
October 10, 2019
Cucu Esther, Remains a very great mentor to me, She has been instrumental in tweaking my interest in research. She was very passionate about environmental conservation and there's not a day she did not talk on nature or gender and conservation. I would read her portfolio online and just be soo inspired!! Her research journey is intellectually inspiring and I could not get over the fact that I personally know someone who has gotten awards and taught at Havard!! I really admired her and actually she recommended me for scholarships and I'm eternally grateful for her well articulated reccomendations. I will not forget her hospitality in her home where I visited her often and she was always happy to have me. I truly miss her laughter and awesome conversations. She was my grandma and good friend. I'm so grateful for the times we shared. The movie's we'd watch, the conversations, pedicures at Lintons and the lunches we had. You remain my good good friend I truly miss you and how you'd say "Alrighty!!".
To my sisters and I you were a loving person and took time to really really have fun with us. You are our true true friend that we forever cherish.
This year it was tough for you but I'm grateful for every moment.
You are a true true treasure a great person who lived her true destiny you gave your all in everything. You loved people!! You taught me the value of truth in what you do and how you do it. You taught me to be precise and to think through my work and exactly what my goals are in life.
Thank you so much!!

Forever in my heart.
Ciru!
October 10, 2019
October 10, 2019
Thoughtful, principled, patient, kind and honest. Through the many memories I have with Auntie Esther, I am fondly reminded of her qualities and virtues. I am thankful of the times that I shared with her, and for the opportunity to learn from her. I offer my condolences, and I wish for others to honour and enjoy her memory: the happiness they offer, and their endurance, are a true testiment to her and her life.
October 10, 2019
October 10, 2019
Oh, Esther, you have passed far, far too young. Such a dedicated academic cum practitioner on land rights issues. Your efforts, initiative, integrity, and your warm personality will surely be widely missed in professional fields. My heartfelt condolences to all your family. Rest in peace, dear sister, Liz
October 10, 2019
October 10, 2019
It with great sadness that i have learned the passing on of our beloved great and reliable scientist. We shall miss your style of environmental stakeholders coordination, that you initiated successfully. CIFOR fraternity will remain with a big gap that requires God's interventions. Let your family, friends and relatives remain firm in prayers.
May God rest your soul in eternal peace.
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Recent Tributes
November 11, 2019
November 11, 2019
May your body and soul rest in peace. Its a gesat honor to read and understand your work in gender and forests tenure and resources from African continent perspective and real contributions in the sector. My heartfelt condolences!
November 5, 2019
November 5, 2019
Esther you have gone too soon. A true African woman warrior, a woman on a mission. Injustice was something you could not tolerate no matter the origins or class. When I think of the definition of "intersectionality" and gender it truely epitomizes all that Esther stood for.
Thank you Esther for all that you did for so many. Your spirit lives on WARRIOR!
November 3, 2019
November 3, 2019
I have taken long to read through the messages about my friend Esther. We met through a colleague and I found out Esther already knew me. I have to mention that in the works we did, she was always passionate about doing the right thing and that whatever we did in our project work impacts society positively. RIP Esther.
Recent stories

It's unbelievable you have left us...Family of Githu passes condolences to the family...R.i.p jirani

October 28, 2019
Condolences from Githu's family...it was unbelievable our neighbour u have left us soon..may your soul rest in peace



A tribute to my sister Esther Nyambura Mwangi, from Lydia Macharia

October 14, 2019
My Dear Sister Esther was a very neat and stylish person since she was a child and she loved beauty.She was very principled and extremely articulate. She was forthright and had a lot of wisdom. I remember instances where I would ask her for advice, and she was always willing to assist me. She loved all her siblings and cared for the whole family. She would do anything to make us feel loved and comfortable.

Esther was very generous and ready to assist in any way possible. She had a big heart that accommodated everybody; young and old.  She was very caring, and she would go an extra mile to help those in need.

Esther was a God-fearing person. She lived in many countries and wherever she went she would join a nearby Christian Community. I witnessed this in Indonesia where she joined a church and used to drive for more than one hour from Bogor to Jakarta every Sunday to attend the Church service and meet the Christian Community. She would provide flowers for the Church, which I came to know by mistake as Esther did her things very privately.

Esther has taught us to love and care for others, to mentor and encourage those who are coming up in life and above all to work hard and not to brag. Greatest of all is the fear of God that she had.

She has left behind a legacy that we will carry on.

Forever in my heart,
Lydia

A workshop experience

October 10, 2019
I am shocked and saddened to hear that Esther has passed away. 
My first meeting with Esther was when we ran a day long workshop together at the IASC Biennial Conference in England.  We had been corresponding by email for several months but had never met until she arrived in the room where the workshop was to take place.  I had been concerned about how we might work together but need not have worried - she quickly put me at ease - while we discussed how to manage the day and re-arranged the furniture in the room to make sure the participants could work in small groups. 

We were expecting around 30 participants.  By the time the first people appeared we had a plan worked out.  We started on time and people kept drifting in - by the time we got to 40 we were starting to run out of chairs, when it got to 60 we were running out of tables and space, by the time it got to 80 it was getting really over-crowded and some people were on tables in the corridor.  All this time - while I was running around organising furniture and places to sit Esther kept on with her presentation and engaging in discussion with the participants - totally un-phased by the noise, the interruptions and the chaos that was occurring.  In the middle of it all the Campus Manager suddenly appeared at the doorway and announced we were breaking all the health and safety rules and had to vacate the room immediately.  For a few seconds there was a stunned silence, and then Esther indicated that she had no intention of leaving and went back to giving her presentation, leaving me to diplomatically remove a visibly furious Manager out of the room where we could discuss the problems away from the participants.  We ended up staying in the room, packed with people so there was standing room only, and thanks to her we had one of the best workshops I have ever experienced - she was great fun to work with.  I just wish we had had time to do more together. 

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