ALBRECHT, Esther Frances

Esther Frances Albrecht, 90, of Baker City passed away Saturday, May 24, 2014. A graveside service will be held Friday, May 30th at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Baker City. In honor of Esther, the family would like her friends to join them for a potluck dessert at her residence following the service. Esther was born to George and Victoria (Mitchell) Corum on May 8, 1924. She entered the world in Lead, South Dakota. She married Emil Jack Albrecht and had 3 children; Victor, Gregory & Pamela. During WWII she worked at Boeing as a Rosie the Riveter. She also played semi-pro baseball during that time. Esther had an “old school” work ethic and always did more than her share and did it quickly and well. Esther’s enjoyment came from church activities (Caleb’s and muffin break), and senior card groups. She was the biggest fan any family member could have. She attended countless games, practices, performances and ceremonies with unflagging joy and enthusiasm. She did this until the final week of her life. She was a fine fisherman and would usually catch the most fish. She said “You just have to hold your mouth right!” She was a gifted softball player, and was easy to field against, as she always hit the ball to the shortstop. She remained a good hitter well into her 80’s, playing waffle ball on the lawn. And yes, she could still run the bases! Gardens were important, thus Garden Club was special. It offered a means to build friendships and share. Her radishes, rhubarbs and raspberries were MUST HAVE plants. She had many health issues through the decades, which she faced with dignified grace. Mentally, she was usually sharp as a tack…even on her ninetieth birthday. She could not be tricked into “pulling your finger”! Her worst character traits involved her not liking green beans and forcing you to read really bad, corny jokes. She also loved oyster stew (if Lars would eat the oysters). Some family members have suspicions that she occasionally cheated at cards. While Esther had legions of friends, any “blind” umpire or referee who made a bad call against a grandchild better prepare to face her wrath! Esther was a first-rate family cook of good wholesome meals, but would not admit it. She was the force behind world class homemade Hires root beer, real home brew, family feasts from chicken to venison and a frequent plain chocolate cake, baked in the now heirloom heart shaped pan. She pulled these meals off for many years on a tempermental wood stove, and seldom got the credit she deserved. Esther was a collector, a hoarder, a gardener, a traveler and always a good neighbor. She usually had a craft project or jigsaw puzzle in progress, often both at once. She was preceded in death by her husband Emil Jack and grandsons Graison and Phillip Albrecht. She is survived by her sons, Victor and wife Alicia and Gregory and wife Mary Lou and by her daughter Pamela and her husband Lars Lind. Grandchildren: Mark, Tyson, Ryan, Sarah, Daron, Kristin and Emily, and 9 great grandchildren. Also by her sisters Carolyn and husband Jesse Moreland and Patricia and husband Charles Mancino. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the YMCA Scholarship Fund for Youth Sports through Coles TributeCenter, 1950 Place Street, Baker City, OR 97814. Thank You Mother! You Did Good! therconline.com 26 Jun 2014