Esther Wightman

Esther Wightman

Esther L. Wightman, 85, of Mackinac Island, died Monday, November 7, 2005, at her home.

She was born on Mackinac Island April 4, 1920, to Morton and Clara (nee Olsen) Pero. She lived on the Island most of her life except for a few years in Minnesota. She spent winters in Leesburg, Florida, for 30 years.

Mrs. Wightman was involved in Ste. Anne’s Catholic Church and volunteered for many community efforts on the Island, including the Cemetery Committee and the Christmas Bazaar. She collected teddy bears and post cards and, in Florida, she enjoyed gardening and fishing.

She married Clarence Wightman September 23, 1943, in Minnesota, and he died July 10, 1998.

Mrs. Wightman is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Dan and Kathleen Wightman of Mackinac Island; a daughter, Janice Early of Phoenix; a daughter-in-law, Kathryn Wightman of St. Ignace; six grandchildren, twins Heidi and Lance, Heather, Matthew, Jennifer, and Danielle; four great- grandchildren, Cameron, M’Kenna, Tori, and Amber.

She was preceded in death by a son, David Wightman, November 23, 1990.

Mass of Christian burial was held Saturday, November 12, at noon at Ste. Anne’s Catholic Church on Mackinac Island, with Father Rey Garcia and Father Ted Brodeur officiating. Visitation was Friday afternoon, November 11, with parish prayers at the church.

Members of the Mackinac Island Fire Department served as pallbearers. Burial was in Ste. Anne’s Cemetery beside her husband and her parents.

Dodson Funeral Home of St. Ignace assisted the family with arrangements.