Obituary of Esther Bechtel

<h1>Esther Bechtel</h1> 1948 - 2006 Esther died peacefully, at St. Mary's General Hospital, on Tuesday, September 12, 2006. She was 58. Esther is the beloved daughter of Nora (Brubacher) and Leonard Bechtel of New Hamburg. She will be lovingly remembered by her brother, sisters and their spouses; David and Muriel Bechtel of Kitchener, Martha and John Wood of Kilworth, Norma and John Lichti of New Hamburg, Dorothy and Richard MacBride of Waterloo and Shirley and Darcy Snyder of New Hamburg. Her nieces, nephews and their families will also remember Esther. She grew up in the Preston Mennonite congregation where she remained a lifelong member. In her early adult years, Esther worked as a Registered Nursing Assistant and Dental Assistant until schizophrenia curtailed her career plans. Esther struggled with her illness for many years. More recently, she was able to experience some contentment. Her family, friends and faith were important to her. Her family is grateful to the caregivers and residents of Millwood Manor who supported Esther. Friends are invited to share their memories of Esther with her family at Erb &amp; Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King Street South, Waterloo, on Thursday (today) from 2 to 4 pm and 7 to 9 pm. The funeral service to remember her life and faith will be held on Friday, September 15, 2006 at 1 pm, at Preston Mennonite Church with Rev. Claire Osinkosky officiating. A family committal service will be held at Mannheim Mennonite Cemetery on Friday morning at 11 am. In memory of Esther, donations to Preston Mennonite Church or the Canadian Mental Health Association would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy and may be arranged through the funeral home, 519.745.8445 or www.erbgood.com In memory of Esther, a tree will be planted through the Trees for Learning Program by the funeral home.