Esther Adelman, 100

BOCA RATON, FLA. – After more than 100 fully-lived years, it is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Esther Adelman on Dec. 19. The oldest of nine children, Esther was born on June 7, 1917, in Boston, Massachusetts to the late Harry Malnikow and Annie Goldberg. She was married to the late Samuel Adelman for 55 years, and she helped run their family business, Adelman Live Poultry in Providence. Together Sam and Esther had two children whom they adored.

Esther was a proud member of Temple Torat Yisrael and Hadassah, was an avid bowler, loved to play mahjongg and bridge, and enjoyed volunteering at the voting polls. She loved traveling the world with her husband, raising her children, visiting family, and spending time with her best friend, the late Silvia Kafrissen. She especially took pleasure in caring for her grandchildren.

After the death of her husband in 2002, Esther moved to Florida where she enjoyed time with her daughters and sisters, and developed a deep friendship with Helen Zweig. She prided herself on living independently until 100 years old. Her sharp mind and sheer determination enabled her to fully enjoy so many family milestones, including her grandchildren’s weddings and college and graduate school graduations, and the births of three great-grandchildren. She was a proud grandmother and even prouder great-grandmother, always ready with her iPhone or iPad to FaceTime or to request updates to the family photo stream.

She adored frequent visits from her great-grandchildren and eagerly bought them ice cream, took them on special adventures, watched them swim, taught them math and Sudoku, and played games with them. Esther was a skilled and prolific knitter, and she took great pleasure in creating treasured afghans and sweaters for each of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was a wonderful mother and strong role model to her daughters, Karen Wier and Sharlene Adelman. She was the world’s best grandmother to Lauren Wier Guilhardi (Paulo) and Michael Wier (Kyleen). She was the cherished great-grandmother of Xander and Samantha Guilhardi and Madison Wier. She is survived by three beloved sisters (Sylvia Malnikow, Frieda Gordon and Phyllis Steede) and is preceded in death by four adored brothers (Morris, Israel, Isidor, and Samuel Malnikow) and a beloved sister (Betty Geller).

Memorial contributions may be made in Esther’s honor to Temple Torat Yisrael, 1251 Middle Rd, East Greenwich, RI 02818.