Obituary of Esther Elizabeth Gascho

A livestream of the service will be made available by clicking here

Passed away peacefully in Kitchener on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, a few weeks before her 95^th birthday and surrounded by loved ones in her final days.

Esther was born in Bloomingdale on Dec 27, 1929, moved to and has lived in Kitchener since she was 5 years old.  Beloved wife of the late Carl who predeceased her in 2008.  

She is lovingly remembered by her four children and their spouses, eleven grandchildren and their spouses/partners and three great grandchildren.   Daughter Ruth Duffield, her husband Lindsay, and children Jordan (Kate) and Christian (Joanna).  Son David Gascho, his wife Patty and their children Jonathan (Becca), Jamie (Shannon) and Jenna Gascho (Simon Metzger).  Daughter Jane Schuett, her husband Jim and their children Ryan (Bonnie) Schuett, Christie Gingrich (Kevin) their daughters Bethany and Bailey, Jennifer Schuett (Justin Guy) their son Wesley and Richard Schuett. Son Robert Gascho, his wife Angie and their children Audrey and TJ.  She is also fondly remembered by her brother Lawrence Bingeman and many nieces and nephews. 

Esther was predeceased by her parents Marshall and Erma (Shantz) Bingeman, brother Jonas, sister-in-law Dora Bingeman, sister-in-law Jane Bingeman, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Roy & Grace Gascho.  

Following graduation from KCI (Kitchener Collegiate Institute), she studied at and graduated from McMaster University in 1951.  She valued her university education and was a member of the local chapter of Canadian Federation of University Women for 60 years.

Following graduation, she started working in the office of their family business, Kitchener Dairies.  With her parents and brothers, she is a founder of Bingemans and was the General Manager until her retirement to become a full time Grandma.   She delighted in spending time with her children and young grandchildren in their home (ringing the doorbell twice to announce her arrival) or at the cottage.  In her spare time, she was sewing clothes for her grandchildren using fun and colourful fabrics. In recent years, she loved “Grandma and the Grandkids” weekend at the cottage, boat rides, a refreshing swim in the lake and lively games of Rummikub.      

She was supportive of Gascho Motors, the business owned by Carl and his brother Roy, and delighted in accompanying him on trips and sightseeing in different cities around the world.  Those trips initiated a travel bug that stayed with her.  

Esther moved to The Village of Winston Park in 2014 and was on the go from morning till night enjoying many activities and outings.  She especially loved the community jigsaw puzzle, as puzzles were a favourite pastime.  Two scoops of ice cream at dinner time was a must have!  Carrying on end of day routines from Bingemans, she would walk the halls later in the evening to turn off the lights in activity rooms.  When her care needs increased a year ago, she moved to Sunnyside Long Term Care Home.   Many thanks to all who helped keep her active, happy, engaged in conversation and well nourished.   Special thanks to Esther’s PSW, Pat, who was with her several times a week for the past few years.   

Visitation will be held at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St S., Waterloo on Sunday, December 1, 2024 from 2 – 5 pm.   The funeral service will take place at Stirling Avenue Mennonite Church, 57 Stirling Avenue N, Kitchener on Monday, December 2 at 10:30 am.   A reception will follow and interment will take place at Bloomingdale Mennonite Cemetery.   A livestream of the service will be made available through Esther’s tribute page at www.erbgood.com 

Condolences for the family and donations to Stirling Avenue Mennonite Church, House of Friendship or Mennonite Central Committee may be arranged at www.erbgood.com