Lynda M. Estey

On October 22, 2018, Lynda Margaret Estey was born to eternal life. She was a loving wife and best friend to her husband William (Bill), a caring mother to her children, Stephen (Julie) and Jill (Kelly) Mark and doting “Nana” to her eight grandchildren, Megan, Andrew, Sydney, Katherine, Luke, Ryan, Patricia and Jonathan.

She was born in Kansas City, Missouri and later moved to California with her family, graduating from Bullard High School in Fresno, California.

She attended Sacramento State where she met her beloved husband and best friend, Bill. They were married in 1964 and enjoyed 54 beautiful years together in marriage.

To have our family together and have someone start crying is not that unusual for the Esteys. In fact, we usually cry whenever we are together. Whether it is a heated debate around politics or a show and tell of the latest vacation, ultimately someone will cry. But here’s the thing. The tears are never because of hurt feelings or an argument. They are tears that only come when you look around you and see the life and family you created, and are overcome with sheer love and gratitude for one another.

What usually ensued next included kissy faces between Nana and Papa from across the room, group hugs, and laughing at ourselves while wiping away tears. And that is such a gift. Because not everyone gets to leave this life having said everything they need to say. Knowing your loved ones know to the core of their being that you love them too. To know you are proud of them. To know you wish them every happiness.

She loved to take care of people. Her childrens’ spouses were more than in-laws to her. They were her children. She loved to make her grandkids treats and give gifts. She loved to be with her family. She loved life to be beautiful, and this made her endlessly optimistic. “Everything always works out for the best,” was one of her favorite sayings and a way of facing anything life threw at her.

And this classy and polished woman could surprise you with her sense of adventure. For a few years, we would rent a lake house and spend the weekend there with the whole family. We had a green speedboat that would break down all the time, but nevertheless spent every day tubing with the cousins. In her 60s, much to our surprise, she said “I want to try!” And there she was, trailing behind a speedboat, hair flying in the wind with a grandkid laughing on either side of her.

She lived a beautiful and wonderful life filled with joy surrounded by those she loved. She spent 54 years married to a man she adored with her whole self - her best friend and soulmate. She raised two beautiful children who are amazing spouses, parents, and had a wonderful relationship with her. She knew all 8 of her grandchildren and became the perfect Nana: baking, getting a kick out of spoiling them, always kind and happy, and genuinely interested in their lives. She lived in another country for several years and traveled the world, visiting a dozen countries and experiencing different cultures with the love of her life by her side. She was a cherished friend. Sometimes that sounds simple, but she was a truly incredible wife, mom, nana, and friend to all.

But really, may we all be as lucky. Because when you look at the details, at what it takes day-to-day to end up with a life you can leave with no regrets, that’s no small accomplishment. To wake up every morning after 54 years and love your spouse more than you did on your wedding day. To really know and have a relationship with your children and grandchildren. To be friends with someone for decades and decades and still stand by each other no matter what. To see the world but also love your own home and backyard just as much as your adventures. And Lynda (Mom/Nana) loved all this - but we will miss her and love her here until we can join her on her next adventure. So long for now, but not goodbye. We love you forever.

A 10:00 am visitation & 11:00 am funeral service will take place on Saturday, October 27, 2018 at:

First Presbyterian Church of Plymouth
701 Church Street
Plymouth, MI 48170

Entombment will take place at

Glen Eden Lutheran Memorial Park
35667 Eight Mile Rd.
Livonia, MI 48152

A reception will immediately follow the entombment at the Estey residence located at 45219 Riveredge Drive in Plymouth, Michigan. We invite all to attend.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be sent to:

Scleroderma Foundation
Michigan Chapter
23999 Telegraph Road
Southfield, MI 48033