Estelle Asher Wertheimer

In loving memory of Estelle Asher Wertheimer, born in Portland, Oregon on May 2, 1924. Known as Stuff to many of her dear friends, she lived on Mercer Island for more than fifty years. When she decided to downsize, she moved to Horizon House in downtown Seattle, close to friends, concerts, ballet, restaurants, and museums. After a brief illness in 2013, Estelle passed away peacefully in the comfort of her lovely home at Horizon House on November 8, 2013. She was 89.

Our mother wore many hats throughout her life. During her college summers, she worked in a candy factory and drove a forklift truck at a naval shipyard. She always laughed when recalling those early jobs.  Estelle graduated from Reed college in Portland in 1946 and moved to Seattle shortly thereafter and then to Mercer Island in 1957. She was assuredly a life long learner, an adventurous world traveler, a politically active and articulate voter, and a volunteer with the League of Women Voters for decades. She also volunteered at the Youth Service Center in the 1960s and for many years at the Seattle Art Museum Rental Loft and was a member of the Women’s University Club. She was also a gourmet cook, a green thumbed gardener, a passionate lover of the arts, an avid reader and lover of poetry, and a dear friend to so many.

Of all these things, closest to our hearts is of course, being our wonderful Mom and Gramma to Emily her sole grandchild. She raised us solo back when that was unusual, with love, humor, grace, and wisdom. We miss you so much Mom, especially today on your Birthday.

Your loving family,

Brian, Linda, Sheri and Emily

We want to thank all of our mother’s friends, who have shown us such kindness, given us wonderful stories and comforting condolences.