Submitted by: Dan Rich

Esther Pajakowski Meers

Nov. 8, 1920 - March 17, 2008

South Bend Tribune 3/21/2008
SOUTH BEND - Our beloved mother, Esther Pajakowski Meers, quietly passed into eternity in the early hours of March 17, 2008. Esther Josephine Pajakowski was born at home in South Bend, Indiana, on November 8, 1920. She was the youngest of eight children born to Ignatius and Mary Pajakowski. Her beloved siblings, brothers Aloysius "Ollie", Casimer "Casey" and Eugene, and sisters Elnore, Clementine "Clemy", and Helen "Henia" predeceased her; she is survived by dear sister Alice Pajakowski.

She attended grade school at St. Adelbert's and graduated from high school at South Bend Catholic. Upon receiving Confirmation at St. Adelbert's, Esther adopted the middle name "Rose" which she used throughout her life. After high school she entered nurses training at St. Joseph's Hospital, graduating as a Registered Nurse in 1942. As she told her children, she met her husband, Frank Joseph Meers (Piechorowski) while she and other nurses were relaxing at a bowling alley. Frank was a student attending Notre Dame University. They were married on September 13, 1945. After Frank, who was serving in the Marine Corps, returned from his first tour of duty in the South Pacific. To know Esther was to know the large, extended family in South Bend. Holidays, Notre Dame football games, Polish cooking and celebrations, church activities and Democratic politics bonded this close family. Esther worked during these years at St. Joseph's Hospital. She and Frank welcomed sons Michael and William to the family.

In 1955, the family of four moved to Anaheim, California, where Frank worked for Northrop. The Frances Drive home became the West Coast destination for family and friends. She continued her nursing profession working at St. Jude's Hospital in Fullerton, California and became the Assistant Director of Nursing. Widowed in 1971, Esther found comfort and purpose continuing her profession. She was an exemplary nurse. Her high-standards and dedicated commitment to her patients and her colleagues distinguished her throughout her career. She retired from St. Jude's in November, 1988. It was a timely transition, as her most delightful role as "Busia" (grandmother) was in full bloom. She was never happier than entertaining a full table of guests, first friends and family, then her children's friends and then her grandchildren's friends. She remained in her home for 53 years, enjoying her yard, her cooking, and her devotions at St. Boniface, the California weather and her family and friends. Esther will be profoundly missed by her devoted sons, Mike and wife Pat, of Granite Bay, and Bill and wife Jeanette of Fountain Valley; cherished grandchildren Lauren of San Luis Obispo, Bryan of Huntington Beach, Kelley of Huntington Beach and Carolyn of Santa Barbara. Esther was blessed with affection from many cousins, nieces and nephews in California and the South Bend area as well as their children. Her family would like to thank her caregivers, Marcella Atherton and Jasmine Ishimine who gave Esther loving companionship and comfort.

A memorial service is planned for Tuesday, March 25, beginning at 10:00 at Hilgenfeld Mortuary, 120 E. Broadway, Anaheim, CA (the corner of Broadway & Anaheim Blvd.) Internment following at Holy Sepulcher, and a reception immediately following. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made in her name to St. Jude Medical Center, Nursing Scholarships, 1440 N. Harbor Blvd., S. 200, Fullerton, CA. 92835.