Comments on: We Miss Her Already

By: Franklin Chen

Franklin Chen — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 05:52:52 +0000

I wrote a little something upon being reminded today of the one and only time I met Esther, in April: http://franklinchen.com/blog/2011/11/29/remembering-esther-allen-1918-2011/

By: Lucy Gatewood Seeds

Lucy Gatewood Seeds — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 20:43:33 +0000

Esther is my sister. She and Dave came to our hill farm in Ohio often and even Wissahickon members joined us. We explored the hills and valleys in Hocking and Fairfield counties identifying every plant we saw. I was good, but she was the expert and I am very proud of her. I’m the youngest of Grandma Gatewood’s eleven children at 83. Four of us still live, Rowena 95; Nelson 87; Louise 85. Esther was Mama’s favorite and the prettiest of us all. She was a legal secretary before she retired and very talented. I’m so glad that she went peacefully while still enjoying her life. She loved her friends and her many hours with them hiking, discovering new plants and teaching. She liked birds also and some came to her window for her to enjoy. Esther Gatewood Allen was an extraordinary individual and has left a wonderful legacy for us her family and friends. Love, Lucy

By: Louise LaMott

Louise LaMott — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 20:06:59 +0000

Having grown up on a farm in southern Ohio Esther was an avid nature lover from an early age. When she retired from the law firm of Moorehead & Knox she spent her spare time learning more about wild flowers {including the common and botanical names}. From then on she had no “spare time”. Her days were spent learning, collecting, photographing, hiking and making many, many friends along the way. Her family is very proud of her dedication and devotion to her “hobby”. Those of you who receive or have access to her materials treasure them. They were put together with love, and left for your education and enjoyment.

I miss my sister, and I thank my nephew, David, for going out of his way to take me to see Esther in her last days. Knowing that she would never be able to work with her flowers or hike the trails again she was ready to leave this earth for a better place. Peace be with you, Esther.

Louise LaMott. sister

By: Donna Jones

Donna Jones — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 02:55:33 +0000

This is my grandmother .. she was amazing!!!! I wish I could be the person she was!!! WOW!! I am so glad I got to spend some of the last days with her and I hope that she is in the big wildflower bird santuary in the sky!!! Love ya Grandma!!!!

By: David R. Allen Jr.

David R. Allen Jr. — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 22:55:04 +0000

As Mr. Parker said, she was one of my favorite people, too. She taught me a lot about everything in life. I will miss my Mother, but treasure her memory forever. Your tribute is great and I appreciate it.

Her son, David

By: Mark Bowers

Mark Bowers — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 04:01:30 +0000

Well said Kate. I walked with her at North Park at the nature center in the afternoon on June 12th. Little did I know that it would be the last time I would be able to enjoy a walk with my good friend. I was privileged to have know her for 30 years and walk many miles with her.

By: pauline

pauline — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 03:09:46 +0000

Hi Kate. It's difficult to think of the Wissahickon Nature Club without Esther. As someone once said to me: "Esther is the Wissahickon Nature Club." I regret that I'll not get to know her better. Thanks for your kind remembrances of her. '

By: Dianne Machesney

Dianne Machesney — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 00:02:27 +0000

Great job, Kate. I am so proud to say that Esther was my teacher, mentor and friend for 14 years. I was sincerely hoping for 14 more years of her fellowship, knowledge sharing, and encouragement. There is going to be a big hole in my universe without her.

By: Bill Parker

Bill Parker — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 14:55:05 +0000

Kate – Thank you for the tribute to one of my favorite people. She was a joy to have known. How is her trail at the Wildflower Reserve?

By: Marcy C

Marcy C — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 14:00:54 +0000

She was a wonderful, sharing lady and a great mentor…I hope I can grow up to be like her. I was honored to have her visit our new habitat, even in the beginning stages and she very much enjoyed the visit (and me with her). Her “seeds” will grow even though she isn’t here.