Esther Gilligan

Esther died peacefully at home at The Fountains at Bronson Place with her children by her side on Monday, November 3, 2014. Esther will always be remembered as a kind, gentle, deeply religious and selfless woman who displayed love and caring for her family everyday. Esther was born on March 28, 1918 in Kalamazoo. She received her associate degree from Parson’s Business School, and worked in business management for Borgess Hospital. She was a member of St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Parchment, Michigan. On October 21, 1946 in Kalamazoo, Esther was united in marriage to Hugh Gilligan who preceded her in death in 1995. Her sisters, Marie Anderson, Pauline Bongenaar, and Josephine VanHyfte also preceded her in death. Esther is survived by her daughter Mary Caddel of Plano TX; her son Richard Gilligan and his wife Linda Gilligan of Kalamazoo; her sister Helen Bosier of Richland, Michigan; five grandchildren, James Bender of Dallas TX, Jennifer and Will Cherry of Reno NV, Dr. Dawn Geiger and her husband David of Sequim WA, Eric Luteyn and his wife Stephanie of Ft. Waynesville MO, and Tommy Luteyn and his wife Danielle of Kalamazoo MI; several great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Friends will be received on Sunday, November 9, from 2-4 and 6-8 pm with a rosary at 6pm at Parchment Redmond Funeral Home, 2300 East ‘G’ Avenue, Parchment, Michigan 49004, 269-349-7735. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, November 10, at 10:30 am at St. Ambrose Catholic Church. Interment will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Kalamazoo Gospel Mission or Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan.