Oresta Mae MacDonald Estabrook
July 19, 1906 - July 11, 2004
Obituary
At daybreak on Sunday morning, July 11th, Oresta Mae Macdonald Estabrook, surrounded by loving family and friends, passed away in her daughter’s home in Seattle.
She was born on July 19th, 1906 in Lacey, Washington.
She leaves behind a rich treasure chest of memories, love and faith for her son and daughter-in-law, Wayne and Joyce Estabrook of Springfield, Oregon and daughter and son-in-law Jean and Dick Madsen of Seattle, her five beloved grandchildren Stanley Estabrook, Cathy Johnson, Candi Day, Paul Ott and Julie Madsen. Her husband “Cham” Estabrook, her daughter Marilyn Lois, her granddaughter Jadena Ott and her grandson Rick Madsen preceded her in death. Her gentle love and care has also left its mark on her nine great grandchildren whom she enjoyed and cherished.
Oresta spent her life serving others, most often in the background with no desire for recognition. In her quiet, humble way she gifted friends and family alike with encouragement, a listening ear, an understanding heart and a calm, peaceful spirit.
Through watching her, we all learned to keep our eyes open to and to savor the beauty surrounding us, whether it be in a radiant sunset, majestic, snow blanketed Mt. Rainier, a freshly baked pie, a delicate sea shell, the fragrance of a soft pink rose, the song of a robin welcoming Spring, the laughter of children at play or a sun-drenched raspberry plucked from her garden.
She loved an adventure and well into her 90’s she was “ready to go” as we headed to the zoo, a grandson’s ball game, a walk on the beach, a family camping trip to Mt. Rainier or traveling to Maine or Nova Scotia to celebrate family ties.
The foundation of Oresta’s life was her love for her Lord and her dedication to growing more and more into His likeness. On hearing of her death one friend commented, “She oozed who Christ is: calm, loving, steady, reliable, constant and gracious.”
What a legacy!!
I will always think of Oresta as one of the most loving, kindest persons I have ever known.
She welcomed me into the family as if I was a blood relative, and always made me feel completely at home.
My Mother-in-law, Madge, Oresta’s first cousin and just her age wants me to say that, after 90+ years of sharing life with her, she is missing her terribly, but that she knows they will be together again soon.
Phyllis and Madge Sewell
my mother had oresta’s name in her diary as her cousin.
came to LYNN MA once to meet her cousins
piduff14@gmail.com