Esther was born July 10, 1931, in Enchant, Alberta the third of nine children to Elias and Ragna Aanestad. At the tender of age of nine years old, Esther’s mother tragically died, which eventually led to her becoming the household caregiver or “Mom” to all her younger siblings. Her siblings fondly remember her baking which included Norwegian kumla and lefse. She was also known to “cater” to each one’s favorite meal. Esther was known as the household organizer and was deserving of the Mother’s Day cards the younger ones made at school.

Esther worked on the family farm until she met Alexander Romanchuk and they eventually married on June 4, 1954. Alex and Esther moved to Lethbridge where Esther found work in local bakeries. Mom was always doing something around the house, whether it was cleaning, cooking, sewing or yard work, she was a very hard worker. Eventually she gave up her day job to stay home with the children but would still go to work at night in the kitchen at Sven Erikson’s.

Esther loved music and could be found singing and playing guitar in the closet when she was younger because “she sounded better”. As kids, we remember her regularly playing her organ. Mom was normally singing as she cleaned or did housework. She prided herself on making a large spread of food out of her small kitchen and setting the table elaborately for holiday meals. Mom loved her backyard with all the flowers, birds and trees.

Esther is survived by her five children: Darwin (Karen) Romanchuk, Judy (Ron) Lamane, Jayne (Jerry) Roan, Janice (James) Anton and David (Tracy) Romanchuk; eight grandchildren; four great grandchildren and her sisters Mina Dunn and Ruby Hachey.

She was predeceased by her husband, Alex and her siblings: Hanna, Ruth, Edith, Rangvald, Clarence and Edwin.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the very caring staff at Buffalo Grace Manor for your love and compassion. Your care will never be forgotten. Also, to the many staff who cared for Mom during her stays at Chinook Regional Hospital, and Esther’s homecare nurse, Katherine. Your compassion and hard work do not go unnoticed.

Cremation was entrusted to Cornerstone Funeral home; as per Esther’s wishes, a private family service will be held.