Obituary of Esther R. Feldmann

Esther Ruth Feldmann passed away on Wednesday, October 17, 2018 at St. Johns Home, Rochester, NY.   She was born at home on January 7, 1918 on Bostwick Street in Lowville, New York, the daughter of F. Earle and Edna (Smith) Wideman.  She celebrated her 100^th Birthday this past January with family and friends at St. Johns Home where she resided for the past 3 years.

After her birth, Esther moved with her parents to the Rector Road in the Town of Montague where her elementary school years were spent at the Rectors Corner one-room school where her mother was her teacher.  In the Fall of 1929 she entered high school at Lowville Academy and graduated in 1934 at the age of 16.  She entered the Watertown School of Commerce, leaving there in 1935 to enter the working world at the former C.W. Nohle Feed Mill as their bookkeeper.  She continued her work as a bookkeeper to Louis Bush and Sons, as well as secretary to the principal at Copenhagen Central School.  Her final working years were as a bookkeeper at the Lowville Producers Dairy Coop retiring in 1983.

On January 12, 1946 she married John Robert Feldmann of Bushton, Kansas.  They met on a blind date in Trenton, New Jersey while John was on furlough during World War II.  Their date was arranged by Esther’s friend whose husband was in the war with John.  All of their married years were spent in Lowville.  John proceeded her in death on December 3, 1991. She is also predeceased by her bother, Donald (Betty) Wideman. They had 3 daughters; Catherine Ann who was still-born. Surviving are Mary Elizabeth (Peter) Miller, Decatur, Illinois and Bethany Ann (John) Schempp Webster, NY; 5 granddaughters -  Jennifer (Matthew) Bradley, Penfield, NY, Emily (Kyle) Pospischil, Davenport, Iowa, Sara (Jason) Brownell, Rochester, NY, Christina (Casey) Wilen, Decatur, IL, Marissa Miller, Decatur, IL, and 11 great grand-children, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Esther was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Lowville, New York for 74 years, where she served as a trustee and was a member of the women’s circle.  Esther enjoyed caring for her home, her grandchildren, and watching the NBA, especially her favorite team the Lakers. 

Arrangements are with Jennings, Nulton and Mattle Funeral Home. Calling hours will be on Sunday, October 21^st from 1:00 – 2:00 pm at the Penfield Presbyterian Church, 1881 Jackson Road, Penfield, NY where the funeral service will follow at 2:15 pm. Entombment at White Haven Memorial Park, Pittsford, NY. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Esther’s memory can be made to Lifetime Care Home Health Care and Hospice, 3111 Winton Rd. South, Rochester, NY 14623 or First Presbyterian Church, North State Street, Lowville NY 13367.