Esther Elizabeth Maki

On January 15, 2021, Esther Elizabeth Maki passed away in her home with her daughter and son-in-law by her side. Esther was born in Hollis, New Hampshire on May 15th, 1925. As a young girl she worked on the family farm and at the family owned Silver Lake Recreation Area until she moved to Long Island, New York as a teenager to work as a nanny. She met her future husband, Walter Waino Maki on a troop train returning soldiers to New England and they married on October 16, 1946. Esther is predeceased by her husband Walter, mother Helen Mason and father Herman Hadley; sister Susie Jewett and brother George Mason; grandson Brian Friend and great-grandson Marcus Moya.

She is survived by her son Butch (Patty) Maki, daughters Brenda (Ron) Friend, Ruby Maki (Scott) Edwards and niece Faith (Rik) Branney; grandchildren Christina Maki (MJ Barela), Danny Maki (Mary McCoy), Amanda (Jake) Cravens and Deeanza Ruybal; great-grandchildren Bryson Friend, Sierra Moya and Isabella Ruybal; great-great-grandchildren Regan Moya and Baby Boy Maki due in May.

Esther and Walter were members of the Leonard I Kangas post of the American Legion in New Ipswich, New Hampshire and Esther served a term as President of the Legion Auxiliary. She marched in many Memorial Day parades in the small town while representing the Legion Auxiliary. She was also a member of the New Hampshire State Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary, serving a term as their Secretary.

Esther loved traveling and the outdoors and was a member of the National Campers and Hikers Association for many years. She took her children and grandchildren on adventures camping in tents, or in her RV, and hosted large family campouts near the Mogollon Rim in Arizona. Her family remembers enjoying many nights by the campfire. One of her recent trips was to Puerto Rico to attend her grandson’s wedding and celebrate her 90th birthday.