Esther Frantz Weaver, 96, died, January 5. at Lancaster General Hospital. She was a life-long Lancaster County resident, with the past 20 years at Homestead Village.
Born in Millersville she was the wife of the late Nelson Weaver. Many knew her as “Skip” having been nicknamed by Nelson. She was a devoted Mother and wife, assisting Nelson by overseeing office needs for Nelson Weaver Grain Elevator now known as Nelson Weaver & Son, Inc..
She graduated from Penn Manor developing her love of singing with memories of roles in school operettas. Her singing pleasure continued with a Homestead Village group. Music interest also included playing the piano. Attending Millersville State Teachers College led to a brief teaching career in eastern Lancaster County. Years later she continued to enjoy visits from former students and often shared memories of times with Amish families and experiences of one-room schools.
“Skip” and Nelson developed a passion for golf together and with friends, playing locally, travelling, and later years spending winters as Florida residents. She proudly spoke of organizing the first women’s golf group for Overlook Golf Course. Golf continued to be an outlet into her 80’s, reminding family to “do it while you can”. After Nelson’s death in 1984, Florida winters continued inviting friends and family to join her.
Devoted to and very proud of family, she is survived by daughter Judy W. Smith, wife of R. Randall Smith of Lancaster and a son, Richard Nelson Weaver, Lititz. Seven Smith grandchildren include C. Andrew, Bowen T. and Scott C., all of Lancaster: infant, Timothy Randall Smith predeceased. Richard’s daughters – Jennifer Weaver Rice, Kristen Weaver Gingerich, and Andrea Weaver reside in Lititz. Ten great grandchildren know her as “Nan”. All the joy of her life.
She was a member of St Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church.
A private family funeral service will honor her life. In lieu of flowers. memorial donations may be made in her honor to Homestead Village, 1800 Marietta Avenue, PO Box 3227, Lancaster, PA 17604.
Carol S. Carter says
Dear Judy and Richard,
What an honor and joy it has been to know Skip. She is a saint that I look forward to greeting in heaven. Her twinkling eye, mischievious smile and tender greetings always made my day. I found myself frequently slipping over to the Radcliffe House just to get a squeeze from Skip. She always seemed to have God’s love just oozing out of her. Thank you for allowing us to serve her – my life has been richer knowing Skip. With love and admiration.
Sylvia Lashley says
I delivered flowers to Esther for about the past 8 years from St. Peter’s Lutheran church. She was a wonderful lady and I throughly enjoyed our visits. Always upbeat, and so very friendly, she was a joy to be around. I feel honored to have known her and she will be missed. God bless you Esther Weaver!!
Lin Rengier says
I am a volunteer at Homestead. Skip was in our Reminisce group where she was always an active participant, sharing that she walked to school from kindergarten through college! Wow!
I continued to visit with Skip as she moved to a more supported environment. She was always welcoming, positive, and accepting. How fortunate you are to have had such a great mom!
She still loved singing to the end! Every time we had a program where the residents could sing along, Skip was right there – singing away in good voice.
I will miss her!