Esther Grace McCann

Esther passed peacefully into God's presence on March 19, 2017 at the age of 97. Esther was born in Saskatchewan, Canada on October 28, 1919 and moved with her family to St. Maries, Idaho, as a child. She married Chet McCann, after knowing him six weeks, on October 26, 1940; they were married 52 years and were blessed with four children. Esther, Chet and family moved their logging truck business to Arcata, California in 1953. Esther was devoted to Chet and was a partner in his logging truck business as a bookkeeper and parts chaser.

Esther was a wonderful homemaker, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She loved her family and made each one feel special. She was active in the Arcata First Baptist Church, including Women's Missionary Society (WMS), hospitality, and the weekly prayer group. At church, she was affectionately known as "The Boss," and was loved by all who knew her, especially the young women who were supported by her Christian advice and example. Many new parents remember Esther handing them a flower in the church service that recognized their baby's birth. Esther had a great sense of humor with her spider hat and plastic spiders baked in birthday cakes with special candles.

She was generous, and there was always room at her dinner table for anyone who dropped by. Esther's love for God and her family will be cherished by her children, Margaret Aiton and her husband, Reid; Fred McCann and his wife, Sue; Charles McCann and his wife, Janice; and Marianne Schmidt and her husband, Mike. She will be remembered by 24 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and 8 great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Mabel Evans of Redding, California; a brother, Elmer Carlson of Pullman, Washington, and numerous nieces and nephews. Esther was preceded in death by her husband, Chet; grand-daughter, Angela McCann, grand-son, Peter Schmidt, brother, Norman Carlson, and sister, Dorothy Cross. A special thank you to Charles and Janice McCann who cared for Esther in their home for five years. Memorial Service will be May 6, 2017, 10:00 am, at Arcata First Baptist Church, 1700 Union Street. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice Cremation arrangements in care of Humboldt Cremation and Funeral Services.

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