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1919
2017
Esther Helena Spear Hirschman, 97, of Temple, Texas, was called to her final home Saturday, April 8, 2017. Known as "Sis" to her family, Esther was a beloved wife, sister, mother, aunt, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was born on November 14, 1919 in Moundsville, West Virginia, to Homer Holt Spear and Dora Lehman Spear. Esther graduated from Hannibal High School in Hannibal, Ohio as salutatorian in 1937. She then went to work at Standard Oil in Cleveland, Ohio. She married Raymond Slade Hirschman on May 30, 1941 in Chagrin Fall, Ohio, after meeting him on a blind date. Esther and Ray were blessed with 56 years of marriage until his death on Christmas day, 1997. During that time they raised a family of 5 children and moved all over the country while Ray served in the Army. They lived in Ohio, Oklahoma, Connecticut, Alaska, Michigan, Florida and Texas. Esther was a woman of great faith and was active in every church they attended. She also served in the civic arena and especially loved her time with the Yellow Birds at Scott and White Hospital, where she and Ray volunteered several days a week in the ICU department. She was also active in the VFW Auxiliary in Georgetown, Texas. Esther loved playing card games with family and friends. She and Ray were members of several bridge groups in the Temple area, and were always ready to strike up a game of Skip-Bo. Esther was quick-witted and had a great sense of humor, enjoying jokes and funny stories. She was also generous, wanting to help those in need. She was a wonderful cook and entertaining friends was always a treat to hopefully then lure them into a game of cards. She loved watching UT football and baseball and when she could no longer see to watch games, she still wanted to know all about the teams. Preceding Esther in death was her husband, Raymond Hirschman; sisters Gilda Podmore and Helen Spear; brother Robert Spear; grandson Matthias Hirschman. Esther is survived by her children, Norman Hirschman and wife Rosi, of Bad Kissingen, Germany; Pat Hirschman Knepley and husband Ken, of Spokane, Washington; David Hirschman and wife Ernestine, of Shelbyville, Kentucky; Doug Hirschman and wife Tori, of Arlington; daughter Sue Hirschman Cowie and husband Mike, of Jarrell; sisters Dorothy Lloyd and Marjorie Riggenbach. She leaves behind her grandchildren, Mark Hirschman, Keith Hirschman, Lisa Hirschman Walsh, Katie Hirschman and Jill Cowie Cloud; and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Esther's family would like to extend heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to the staff of Temple Meridian Health Center and Physical Therapy Department for the many years of outstanding care and devotion. We consider them family. A memorial service will be held at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home in Temple, on April 18 at 9:00 a.m. with Rev. John Davenport of Zion Lutheran, Walburg, officiating. Interment will follow at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Upbring, Austin, or a charity of choice.
Arrangements under the direction of Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home, Temple, TX.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home - Temple.
1 Entry
April 12, 2017
Jeanne Ritchie
Norman, Pat, David, Doug and Sue and families, I have such good memories of Aunt Sis and Uncle Ray. Sending warm thoughts and prayers to you all. Our memories keep our loved ones close to our hearts. Praying for peace and comfort at this time of loss. Sent with warm thoughts and love, Jeanne & Darrel Ritchie
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Apr
18
9:00 a.m.
Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home - Temple3220 South 31st Street, Temple, TX 76502
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Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home - Temple3220 South 31st Street, Temple, TX 76502
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