Hester Harriett Rysdorp

Hester Rysdorp, age 82, of Mercer Island, Washington, passed away January 26, 2013. Hester was born December 19, 1930 in York, PA to Harvey and Hester Deardorff. She graduated from West York High School. She moved to Southern California to attend U.C. Santa Barbara where she graduated with a degree in Education. Hester’s teaching career brought her to Fortuna, CA where she taught girls physical education. While in Fortuna she met and married John Rysdorp and brought into the world three daughters who were her pride and joy during their 57 years of marriage. Hester loved card playing and sports of all kinds and through these activities, made many friends in their moves around the US. After settling on Mercer Island and later, upon retirement in Shelter Bay (La Conner, WA), she became an avid salmon fisher woman. Even after a severe stroke in 2002, it was hard to keep her away from fishing and boating. Throughout her adult life, she brought joy to many with her joke telling and easy smile. In her last days she was surrounded by her family consisting of her husband John, daughters Joanne Cruse, Sally Ditzler and Carrie Umporowicz, her seven grandchildren, and twin brother Harvey Deardorff. In addition, her sister Gloria Kern of Hemet, CA was a phone call away. A memorial service was held February 4, 2013 in the Fellowship Hall at Covenant Shores on Mercer Island. Donations may be made to the Evergreen Foundation for the Hospice Fund, 12040 NE 128th St. MS #5, Kirkland, WA 98034, or Covenant Shores Benevolent Fund, 9150 Fortuna Dr., Mercer Island, WA 98040.

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