Esther Rachlin Fisher. Submitted by Joan Rachlin.

Esther RachlinFisher

From Joan Rachlin

At this season of light, thank you to my beloved Aunt Estie for helping me through the dark times.

You inspire me because

My father's "kid sister," Esther "Estie" Fisher is one of the strongest and most caring, wise, genuine, honest, and altogether wholehearted people I know.

Something I have learned from you is

You have taught me that having someone strong and caring in my life can make the hard times bearable. You've shown me what a good marriage looks like, since I had no role models for that in my family of origin. You showed me that laughter is the best medicine and that going through life with a sense of humor can ease the bumps. You've taught me what good parents, good partners, and good people look like and feel like. You've shown me that whining and complaining is an unpleasant and unproductive way to deal with one's troubles and that it's better to find a trustworthy guide in life who will listen to your troubles and allow you to vent. You've modeled the importance of community in good times and hard ones, too. You've demonstrated the value of hobbies and avocations and I've seen how your regular card games and knitting for charity have enriched your life. I could go on, but you are so humble that I know you're already rolling your eyes and saying "Oy, what is she talking about?!?"

Thank you for

Thank you for being my guide during one of the hardest passages in my life. Thank you for giving me a family and a home away from home when I came "up north" for college. Thank you for letting me bring my friends, dog, husband, kids, and laundry to your always warm home and for never complaining when I stashed my belongings in your basement for several years. Thank you for showing me that riches come from family and friends and not from one's bank account. Thank you for allowing me to get some pretty dark emotions off my chest during our always healing conversations. Thank you for teaching me--along with your beloved Artie--what it means to be a mensch.

Additional Thoughts

You are an extraordinary mother, grandma, daughter, wife, aunt, cousin, and friend to all who know you, and it's no wonder you are so widely liked and loved. Your values and principles were always rock solid and your gentle nature and humility unshakeable. My 12 year old Dad was roller skating on West Street when his sister Ruth told him that "Mom had a baby girl." He replied "Another pest." Despite that offhand comment, he adored you throughout his long life and I followed suit. You are a blessing in so many of our lives and I cherish and love you.

You can also honor someone important in your life by selecting a "We Celebrate Tribute" in the JWA store.

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How to cite this page

Jewish Women's Archive. "Esther Rachlin Fisher." (Viewed on December 3, 2024) <https://jwa.org/wecelebrate/fisher-esther-rachlin>.