Esther Kidwell

June 26, 2009 saw the peaceful passing of Esther Kidwell, a strong, compassionate, family-oriented community leader who was two months shy of her 100th birthday. She loved life and saw most life struggles as opportunities. She was unable to get past her final struggle, though, and after a brief illness she left us for a more peaceful existence. Esther was the 7th of 8 children born to Abbie Wilson and Frank Doolittle on September 15, 1909 in Nimshew, California. She moved to Chico at an early age, graduating from Chico Elementary School in 1923 and then from Chico Teacher College in 1930. She and her future husband, James, were active members of the youth programs at First Christian Church on Hazel Street. Esther taught school in Hayfork until her marriage to Jim Kidwell on August 25, 1931. They were married for 66 years before Jim's passing in 1997. Besides being a wife and mother of 4 children, Esther wore many hats. In the early years of their marriage, they lived in Grass Valley. Esther brought Jim his lunch every day, with 3 babies in tow, as he worked in the gold mines. During WWll, she supplemented the family income by working in the badge department for Kaiser Shipyards in Richmond. She was a substitute teacher and president of her children's school PTA in Berkeley and then president of the Alameda/Contra Costa county PTA Council. Later, she was the secretary for the University Christian Church in Berkeley for several years. After resettling in Chico in 1963, Esther opened Kidwell's Yarn and Needlework Shop in 1965 and taught knitting classes until the late 70's. She joined the Soroptimists International organization and served as president in 1975. Even in retirement, Esther kept active with Soroptimists, knitting, spinning, weaving, sewing, gardening, and traveling with her husband. She regularly attended First Christian Church staying active in many committees and social groups. The final years of Esther's life were spent at Sierra Sunrise Lodge where she taught knitting, attended walking classes, participated in social functions, sewed, and read almost every mystery book in their library. She was adored and respected by all of the staff and the many residents whose lives she touched. Esther was preceded in death by her husband Jim and eldest daughter Anita. She is survived by daughters Janet Schmalenberger of Santa Ana and Norma Brott of McMinnville, OR, and son Roger Kidwell of Fogelsville, PA, 9 grandchildren, including Becky McCarthy of Chico, 19 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great-grandchildren. Esther was a role model of strength and endurance for her children, grandchildren, several great-grandchildren and anyone who had the privilege to get to know her. A Celebration of Life will be held on August 15 at 10 AM at First Christian Church of Chico. Memorial contributions can be made to the church.