Esker's memory will live on — one meal at a time

NORWALK — Betty Marie (Smith) Esker, 102, Norwalk, was laid to rest a week ago today, but what she did for this community will live on. She passed away Nov. 1 — 24 days before her 103rd birthday. She was born on Nov. 25, 1918, in Norwalk to the late Delbert and Mary Lucina (Lawrence) Smith. Semi-orphaned at age 8, Betty helped her struggling family by delivering her mother's freshly laundered and ironed clothes around town in her wagon. A 1936 valedictorian of her Norwalk High School class, Betty was awarded a college scholarship, but because of the financial times, was unable to accept and later attended the BGSU extension. One of the original trustees for Norwalk area Meals on Wheels, Betty served as treasurer for more than 20 years. She was also one of the original employees of Service for the Aging and after 22 years, retired and then volunteered part-time for a few more years. Betty assisted at the St. Vincent de Paul Society and as a Eucharistic Minister at St. Paul's Catholic Church for many years. Steve Beal, executive director of Senior Enrichment Services, said Betty is like a saint to all seniors. "God bless her," Beal said. "Obviousy, that (working for the community) started a long time ago. I never met her, but I wish I could. "I will make a note of it and bring it up at our next meeting for all she did for this program." The buildings were closed during the pandemic, but Meals on Wheels never stopped. "Absolutely. It is still one of our strongest programs ... her legacy is going strong," Beal said. An avid reader, she reviewed new books for the local library. In recent years, her diminished eyesight did not prevent her from enjoying books from the Society for the Blind. Betty continued to pursue intellectual, physical, and spiritual growth during her residency at the Carriage House. Throughout her life she remained an inspiration to her expanding family, many friends, and admirers in the community. Those wishing to contribute to Betty's memory may do so to The Carriage House, 175 Shady Lane Drive, Norwalk, OH 44857, Senior Enrichment Services, 130 Shady Lane Drive, Norwalk, OH 44857 or to Norwalk Catholic Schools, 93 E Main Street, Norwalk, OH 44857.