Esther Elizabeth (Hewey) Hakvaag

Esther Elizabeth (Hewey) Hakvaag was promoted to glory on March 5th at the Green Home in Wellsboro.

Esther was born June 16, 1931 in Hartford, Conn. to Astrid and Walter Hewey. She grew up immersed in the Salvation Army church and later entered that ministry, achieving the rank of Captain. Esther spent several years preaching and promoting the gospel and singing and playing in the Salvation Army string band.

Esther was stationed by the Salvation Army in various places including Jamestown, N.Y. and Brooklyn, N.Y, where she met her husband Gabriel. They married in 1960 and raised two sons in New Jersey and Mount Bethel, Pa. where they became founding members of Mount Bethel Lutheran Brethren Church. They shared 38 years of marriage before Gabriel's passing in 1998.

Esther's greatest joys were her family, friends and church. She served as Sunday School Superintendent at Mount Bethel Lutheran Brethren Church for many years and taught Sunday School for three decades. Before and after her marriage Esther held jobs such as secretary and housekeeper but always said that "being a mom was the only job I ever liked."

Esther delighted in hosting large events at home, especially family and holiday gatherings and "Sing-speration" events where Gabriel played the organ and Esther and guests sang hymns.

Esther loved Jesus, her Santa Claus, visiting, giving gifts and watching old movies. She loved food, coffee and laughter, and only hated two things: sin and winter.

Esther is survived by sons Gabriel (Donna LeSchander) Hakvaag, Jr. of Wellsboro and David Hakvaag (Darci) of Mount Bethel; grandchildren Kimberly Helm (Hunter) of Mount Bethel, Kayla Hakvaag of Brooklyn, N.Y., Alice Hakvaag of Philadelphia and Astrid Hakvaag of Wellsboro and Philadelphia. She also leaves a great-grandson, Chase Helm.

Also surviving are nieces Lori Laitt (Martyn) and Julie Munson of East Hartford, Ct. and Karen Bilbrey (Casey) of Midlothian, Texas, niece AnneBritt Gruber (John) of Schuyler Falls, N.Y., nephew Robert Andreassen of Rockland, N.Y. and beloved sister in law Bertha Andreassen of Nanuet, N.Y. Esther was predeceased by sisters Dorothy Munson and Lilian Hewey.

The family thanks the caregivers at The Laurels, where Esther lived for five years, and also the staff at The Green Home, for their attentive care.

There will be no local memorial service. Contributions to the Elevator Fund at First Presbyterian Church, 130 Main Street, Wellsboro 16901 are appreciated should friends like to donate in Esther's name.

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