Esther Mcleod

Esther Jane McLeod
Madison - Esther Jane McLeod (1908-2013) died peacefully at Agrace Hospice, June 23rd, a week after suffering a stroke. She enjoyed 104 years of excellent health, remaining independent in her beloved home, designed in 1964 by her late husband, architectural engineer Arthur McLeod (1908-1993). Here she could walk among the tall pines (planted by her family as seedlings in 1954), watch the birds and foxes, play her grand piano, dance to her favorite "Happy Feet" album, and listen to Wisconsin Public Radio, her near-constant companion. Most of all, she enjoyed her four children, Paul (Barbara), John (Donna), Mary McLeod and Margaret Buege (Bob), seven grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren.

Born in Rockford, Illinois, Esther came to Madison in 1928. She soon met Arthur at First United Methodist Church, where they married in 1933. After raising four children, they became world travelers, visiting son John in far-flung locations, including Tierra del Fuego, Easter Island, the Galapagos, Sri Lanka, and Esther's favorite, Afghanistan. In the past decade Esther traveled numerous times to Florida and Texas. She especially enjoyed trips with her daughters to Mount Hood, the sequoias of Yosemite, and remote hot springs in the Sierras.

Esther was proud to have shaken General Pershing's hand at a victory parade after WWI and she remembered her excitement when women got the vote. She had strong opinions about equality and social justice, many of which went back to childhood. She grew up in a diverse neighborhood and considered all people to be the same.

Esther will be remembered for her vivid, feisty personality and sharp sense of humor, her homemade bread, which she baked every week until she was over 100, the beautiful rugs she hooked, her ability to calm and cajole any small child, and her utter devotion to family.

Esther's life will be celebrated at a private family gathering. Memorials in her name may be made to Wisconsin Public Radio (821 University Ave., Madison, WI 53706 or wpr.org) or the First United Methodist Church (203 Wisconsin Ave., Madison, WI 53703).