Submitted by: Dan Rich

Esther S. Blondell

Nov. 18, 1911 - July 26, 2008

South Bend Tribune 7/29/2008
SOUTH BEND - Esther S. Blondell, 96, a very loving and caring mom, grandma, great-grandma, aunt and a friend to many, passed away at 11:44 p.m. Saturday, July 26th, in Memorial Hospital, South Bend. Esther was born on November 18, 1911, in Chicago, IL, to the late Swan E. and Edith S. (Peterson) Chell. As the former Esther S. Chell, she married Leroy Blondell on September 24, 1938, in Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in South Bend. Roy preceded her in death on April 17, 1966. She was also preceded in death by her son, James L. "Jim" Blondell in October 1997; a brother, Elmer E. Chell in October 1991; and a sister, Elvera Cyr in July 1996. Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Robert "Bob" and Carol Blondell of South Bend; and her daughter and son-in-law, Barbara and Robert "Bob" DeJarnatt of Plymouth. Other survivors include five grandchildren, Rodney (Dania) DeJarnatt of Lakeville, IN, Lori (Jim) McClellan of Plymouth, IN, Jason (Kathryn) DeJarnatt of Plymouth, IN, Brian (Christie) Blondell of Osceola, IN, and Angie (Morgan) Wenzel of Oak Creek, WI; 11 great-grandchildren; and numerous great-nieces and nephews.

Esther was confirmed, married and a lifetime member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, and the previous John Erickson Lodge in Mishawaka, IN. She had worked at Bendix, Oliver Hotel, Gladieux Foods, and was a caretaker to many. Her favorite was being a caretaker to the many wonderful people she helped. She enjoyed her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and loved sending all types of greeting cards to all members of the church. She loved watching sports on TV, especially Notre Dame football and the Cubs, reading, going out to eat, visiting, and just being a friend to everyone. The family would like to thank the many kind and compassionate nurses and doctors at Memorial Hospital, especially the nurses on 11 South and Intensive Care, her many friends at Fairington Apartments and to Pastor Zell of Gloria Dei for his numerous visits and prayers.

Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 30th, in ST. JOSEPH FUNERAL HOME, 1827 E. Ireland Road, South Bend. A funeral service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 31st, in Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 225 E. Haney Ave., South Bend, with Rev. Jeff Zell officiating, with visitation one hour prior to the service in the church. Burial will follow at Southlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Esther's name to the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church.