Missing Esther

“My wife was a truly remarkable person who brought so much love, joy, and meaning into my life. She had a kind and generous heart that touched everyone she knew, and I feel incredibly blessed to have had her as a part of my journey. Not only did she enrich my life with her love, but she also brought her wonderful stepdaughters into it, who became such an important part of my world. Her presence and the love she shared with us will always remain in our hearts—a testament to the incredible person she was. I will forever be grateful for the time we had together and the family she helped create.”

A Love That Stood the Test of Time

Esther and I met at church 25 years ago. She was teaching Sunday school, and I was there with my daughter while she was there with hers. She walked up and started talking to me, and from that moment, I was drawn to her warmth and kindness. She had so many wonderful qualities—it was easy to fall in love with her. But she made me work for it, and I wouldn’t have had it any other way.

The Heart Behind This Business

Esther and I had planned to start an online store together, but before we could see it through, she passed away. Now, I want to carry on what we started—to bring this vision to life just as we had planned. This store is not just a business; it’s a way to honor her memory, her dreams, and the love she poured into everything she did.

A Life Filled with Passion and Purpose

Esther had a passion for helping people, always making them smile. She had a heart for the elderly, often volunteering her time to feed them, clean their homes, and keep them company. Her kindness knew no bounds.

Her hobbies were just as diverse as her heart was big. She loved creating—she made earrings, collected vintage treasures, and ran an estate sale business. She even had her own booth at Wimberley Market Days, where she shared her passion for all things vintage with others. She was always busy, always creating, and always finding joy in the little things.

Her Words to Live By

Esther had a simple yet powerful motto: “Get ’Er Done.” She approached life with determination, never backing down from a challenge, and always finding a way to make things happen.

A Life Well Lived

Esther Louise Gottwald, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away on Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 2024, at the age of 65, after battling cancer.

Born on September 12, 1959, in Austin, Texas, Esther lived a life full of warmth and purpose. She attended McCallum High School, where she was an active cheerleader and a proud member of the band. Her love for education led her to Concordia University, where she earned her degree in education. She later dedicated her career to the Texas Department of Transportation, eventually becoming the Director of Human Resources before retiring in 2007.

A pillar of the Shady Oaks community, Esther was known for her unwavering kindness and generosity. She spent her days helping others, whether it was running estate sales, caring for elderly neighbors, or taking on projects that needed her attention. Her love for all things vintage was more than just a hobby—it was a way for her to connect with people and share her joy.

Her smile was contagious, her laugh infectious, and her heart pure gold. She had a rare gift—she never met a stranger, only friends she hadn’t yet made.

Forever in Our Hearts

Her legacy lives on through the love she shared, the lives she touched, and the dreams she left behind.