Esther Belle Mansfield

Mansfield, Esther Belle, age 88, of Westfield, Queens County, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 2nd, 2020, in Queens General Hospital, Liverpool.

Born in Westfield, she was the daughter of the late Harold and Lee Etta (Riley) Mansfield.

She is survived by daughters, Karen (Randy) Smith of Hemford, Shirleen (Greg) Black of Westfield, sons Dwight (Christine) of Westfield, Kevin of Westfield; grandchildren Devin (Terri-Ann), Jason (Erin), Amanda (Troy), Christopher (Terra-Jean), Lisa (Ian), Natalie (Mitchell), Brett (Evan), step-grandson Justin, great-grandchildren Tyler, Andrew, Avery, Kale, Deacon, Parker, Wyatt, Chase, Valarie, Emma, Addison, Aidan, Peyton, Landen, Tyson and step great-granddaughter, Amelia.  She is survived by numerous nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by her husband Marvin, infant sister Alma, brothers Roscoe and Willie and daughter in-law, Edith.

Esther was a gentle, but strong and wise woman of faith, with a great sense of humour.  In her early years, Esther worked at the The Kedge Restaurant in Maitland Bridge.  After having her children, she became a stay-at-home Mum, dedicating her entire life, with love, to raising her four children.  She dearly loved her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and step-grandchildren.  

She enjoyed cooking for her family and friends, knitting, crocheting, reading and berry-picking.  Esther had a great love for birds and wildlife.  She loved to watch the deer in her yard and resting under her apple tree.  Feeding birds and watching them from her sunporch was a special joy to her.  Many a bottle of peanut-butter was spread on the trees outside her sunporch for her woodpeckers, nuthatches, chickadees and other birds and squirrels.  Esther was well-known for her home-made breads, bean soups and butterscotch pies.  Her hospitality and generosity were genuine.  For many years, she donated her, homemade-with-much-love baby bonnets to the IWK Children’s Hospital in Halifax.  The IWK staff were always so pleased to receive her package of bonnets, so colorful and perfectly made, and they were always so excited to be able to take them to the babies.

Every day, Esther enjoyed reading her Bible and The Chronicle Herald, as well as keeping up-to-date with local and world news events.  She had a keen fondness for always knowing when The International Space Station would be going overhead, at what exact minute, and in which part of the sky to look for it, and she was very pleased if you went out to look at the night sky with her to share this experience.  She loved her pets, especially her cats Midnight, Gabby and Smokey.  She loved Country music, and especially Bluegrass and Bluegrass Gospel music.  Esther loved her sweets, especially Icies and Lindor chocolates.  She cherished most, time spent with family and friends, and when family and friends would take time to spend time with her.  Her hallmark words to let you know beyond a shadow of a doubt that she was very elated, appreciative and thankful for your time were, “Thanks a million!”.  

Special thanks to Anita MacQuarrie, Eva Weare, Bonnie Joudrey, Vicky Burke and the late Enid St. Louis for helping Esther at difficult points in her journey over the years and for providing her with loving, compassionate care and companionship.  Special thanks to Dr. Heather Johnson (Family Physician), Dr. Woodford and Dr. Blackadar and the team of Queens General Hospital ER and Medical Unit for their professionalism and palliative care.  “Thanks a million!”.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 7th from 10 – 11 am followed by funeral service at 11 am, both at Chandler’s Funeral Chapel, Liverpool, Pastor Royce Getson officiating.  Family flowers only.  Donations may be made to Charles Stanley In Touch Ministries, Hope for Wildlife or to North Queens Fire Association.  On-line condolences may be made to www.chandlersfuneral.com