Esther Drexler passed away peacefully on January 26, 2013 surrounded by family at her home in Redmond, WA.
Esther was born in Liverpool, England in 1925 to John and Mary Butler. The Butler family also includes her surviving brother Bill Butler and his wife Lorna of Rainhill, England, and pre-deceased siblings Mary Moorcroft, Pauline Moore and John Butler. In addition to Pauline’s husband, Bert Moore, Esther is survived by many English nieces and nephews.
She attended the Netherfield Road School in Liverpool, where she excelled, and commenced a lifelong passion for learning.
Esther not only lived through the brutal German bombing of Liverpool during WW II, she helped in the war effort by serving her country as a member of the Land Army, the force of British women who kept the nation’s farms running while the men were away at war. This experience helped to instill the incredible determination and strength she exhibited over her lifetime.
In 1949 Esther was invited by a couple she befriended during the war to visit them in Evansville, IN. By chance, George Drexler had been in Miami, taking a break from managing a coffee plantation in Nicaragua, when he volunteered to drive a Great Aunt from Miami to Evansville. Within days of arriving, George met Esther at a church youth group. After a 3 month courtship they were married, and remained happily so for over 62 years.
Although she always treasured her British roots, in 1956 Esther proudly became a naturalized American citizen. The Drexler family trips to England to visit her family were times of great joy for everyone and are cherished memories.
After leaving Evansville, George and Esther lived with their young family in Kansas City, MO until 1968 when they relocated to Seattle.
Esther was very well read and possessed an encyclopedic knowledge of a vast array of subjects, which she displayed each evening while beating every contestant to the buzzer on “Jeopardy.”
She was an inspiring and loving wife and mother, and a great friend who loved to share a laugh, a conversation or a song, and always a good cup of tea.
Esther is survived by her husband, George, and their family, which includes Mark Drexler and his wife Ann of Valencia, CA, Scott Drexler of Everett, WA and Pam Drexler of Redmond, WA. Esther and George’s grandchildren are Alexandra Drexler, Mackenzie Drexler and Delaney Drexler of Valencia, CA and Jordan Drexler of Redmond, WA.
The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to all of the care providers who sought to heal and comfort Esther.
A private family memorial was held February 2, 2012.
Memorial donations may be made to The American Cancer Society or Overlake Hospital, Bellevue, WA.
“Kettle’s on, Est!”