Esther M. Grant's Obituary
Esther Magdalene (Naess) Grant
passed away peacefully in her home on January 17, at the age of 97.
She was born in Stavanger, Norway on January 12, 1917 to Pernilla and John Naess. The family immigrated to this country in 1924, settling in Tacoma. Esther was a proud alumnus of Park Lodge Grade School and a graduate of Lincoln High School. She married Robert Gene Grant also of Tacoma, on November 12, 1937. They shared a love of the outdoors, canoeing, sailing and cruising Puget Sound and Canadian waters in their early years, and later entertaining at their vacation home on Orcas Island. Winters were spent skiing, first attacking the snowfields of Paradise, followed by family seasons at White Pass, Alpental, and Crystal Mountain. Their love for the mountains continued into their 80’s, downhill and cross-country skiing from their second home in Sun Valley, Idaho. Esther also loved to golf, serving as Captain of the 18 Hole Women’s Golf Group at the Tacoma Country Club in earlier years
Esther and Gene made travel their chosen form of education, striving to understand and appreciate the culture, history and cuisine of as many countries as possible. Esther also loved to cook and entertain, much to the delight of family and friends over the years. She had beautiful taste and an indelible sense of style. She expressed her artistic vision through decorating and gardening, enjoying her long membership in the Tacoma Garden Club, visiting gardens and creating lasting beauty in each garden of her own.
An Emeritus Member of the Board of Directors of the Tacoma Art Museum with an active interest in the success of that institution throughout her life, Esther was passionate about the arts in her community, serving on the Boards of Allied Arts, Broadway Center, and the Tacoma Actors Guild.
A long-time member of The Little Church on the Prairie , Esther served by educating youth in the church community and beyond, through leadership in the local Girl Scouts. She continued to be an inspiration to young people and is beloved by her children and grandchildren.
Esther was preceded in death by her husband R. Gene Grant, sisters Herdis Dorsey of Bremerton and Ruth Tucker of Lakewood, and brother John Naess (Helen) of Gig Harbor. Survivors include daughters Karen G. Gardner (Hilton B.) and Kristine G. McLean (Peter); grandchildren Kelly Hart, Sandy Maher (Joe), Dee Gardner, Bowen Gardner (Summer), Amanda Nathan(Lee), Chris Mclean (Paula), seven great grand-children, and many treasured nieces and nephews and life-long friends. She has enjoyed her time with each of you more than you could know.
The family is grateful to Charles Cook for his companionship and care of both Esther and Gene, and to her caregivers from Home Instead, especially Sharon and Linda. They succeeded in keeping her beautiful, happy, healthy, smiling, and in the home she loved to the end.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Tacoma Art Museum, the Garden Club Native Garden Endowment, or Little Church on the Prairie in her memory. A celebration of her life will be held this Friday, January 24, 2014 at 2:30 PM at the Little Church on the Prairie, followed by a reception at the Tacoma Country and Golf Club.
Arrangements by Mountain View Funeral Home. Remembrances may be shared at www.mountainviewtacoma.com
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