Esther L. Wright

July 25, 1916 - August 17, 2018

SOUTH BEND, IN - Esther L. Wright, of South Bend, passed away on August 17, 2018. Born in Bloombury, New Jersey on July 25, 1916, to Ashby and Anna Lemons, Esther moved to South Bend when she was 4 years old. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Wright; brother, Charles F. Lemons; and sisters, Ruth Lemons Kemp and Mary Lemons Steffen.

After graduating from Central High School and St. Mary's College, Esther did her graduate studies in Social Work at the University of Chicago.

On October 11, 1947, she married Robert H. Wright. They enjoyed 67 wonderful years together until Bob's passing in 2015. She is survived by her daughter, Sue Wright and 15 wonderful ladies who became part of the family as they assisted Esther in her home during the last year of her life.

Esther loved her career for the St. Joseph County Welfare Department, where she worked with families and children as a case worker and supervisor. When her husband Bob became owner-operator of Ace Hardware Store in South Bend, Esther worked by his side until they retired in 1981.

Esther was an avid reader and loved to work crossword puzzles. She was also a great storyteller, giving us glimpses of the world she experienced during her 102 years of life. She was an active member of First United Methodist Church since arriving in South Bend, serving as a Sunday school and Vacation Bible School teacher and volunteering in many other roles. Esther joined Bob in arranging many enjoyable reunions of the 34th Bomb Group of the 8th Air Force, in which Bob served as a B-17 pilot during World War II. They joined friends from all over the United States and England, gathering at locations throughout the U.S. to reminisce and celebrate life. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 21, 2018 in the Welsheimer Family Funeral Home, 521 N. William St.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00p.m. Wednesday, August 22, 2018 in the Chapel at First United Methodist Church, 333 N. Main St. Burial will be in Highland Cemetery ollowing services.

Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church of South Bend or to the Indiana Arthritis Foundation, 615 N. Alabama St. Suite 430, Indianapolis, IN 46204.

E-mail condolences may be made at www.welsheimer.com.

08/20/2018 JFC