Esther Hall

January 9, 2012

TRAVERSE CITY — Esther Marie Hall, 89, of Traverse City, passed away Monday, Jan. 9, 2012, at the Grand Traverse Pavilions.Esther was born Sept. 30, 1922, to the late Fred and Irene (Platte) Brakel at the Brakel family farm in Traverse City. On June 29, 1946, she entered into marriage with Frank R. Hall at St. Francis Catholic Church in Traverse City, with Rev. Kohler officiating.In earlier years, to help the war effort, Esther, along with her sister, Norene, worked at a plant in Saginaw building parts for tanks. Upon returning to Traverse City, Esther began work at Chef Pierre as one of the first employees of the new shop.Esther was dedicated to her family as a loving wife and caring mother.She loved spending time with family around the dinner table, always providing wonderful treats from her kitchen, most notably her cinnamon rolls. Esther was sure to always have a full cookie jar, not allowing any friend or family member to go without.She enjoyed time on the water and created many wonderful memories fishing with her husband, Frank, and her cousins, Keith and Doris Jones. The couples covered areas all over the bay, trolling for fish as Doris and Esther filled the air with laughter.Esther was extremely proud to have the experience of celebrating her 50th wedding anniversary, presided over by Father Fred at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Mapleton. At the anniversary, Esther received her one and only ride in a limo.Esther saw the good in others and will be remembered for her contagious laugh, her smile and giving heart.She is survived by her husband, Frank; her children, Gary (Maggie) Hall, of Grawn, Nancy (Clem) Perron, of Canaan, N. H., David (Susie) Hall, of Rock, Kathleen (Roger) Reed, of Interlochen; seven grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren; one sister, Marita Bellaw, of Traverse City.Esther was preceded in death by her parents; an infant son, Jeffery; her grandson, Ryan Besaw; her sisters, Norene Murphy and Lois Alpers; and brothers, Erwin, Raymond and Alec Brakel.Funeral services were held Monday, Jan. 16, 2012, at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, with Deacon Rene Hoenschied officiating. Burial was held at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens.Memorial contributions may be directed to The Father Fred Foundation.The family would like to extend a warm thank you to Hospice of Michigan and the Grand Traverse Pavilions for their remarkable care. Especially to Marie, for always filling Esther's room with flowers; and Carolyn, for filling the air with wonderful music.Please share your thoughts with the family at Esther's online guest book at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.comThe family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home; www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.