Elizabeth Wallace Esser

Elizabeth Wallace Esser, 97, of Ridgefield, died peacefully on Thursday, March 20, 2025. She was the loving wife of the late Ferdinand K. Esser.

Mrs. Esser was born in Boston, Massachusetts on December 6, 1927 to Robert Burns and Marie (Troy) Wallace. She grew up in the suburb of Brookline graduating from Brookline High School. After graduation she completed a course of study at the Catherine Gibbs School in Boston whereupon she attended Boston University graduating in 1952 with a major in French.

Upon graduation, she embarked on a tour of France, taking one of the early Atlantic crossings on the USS United States where she met her husband Ferdinand, who was returning to Germany on a Fulbright Scholarship. They were married three months later in Cologne, Germany.

A resident of Ridgefield since 1955, Mrs. Esser was an active parishioner of Saint Elizabeth Seton Church, which included her membership in the congregation's “Prime Timers”. In addition, she valued her longtime memberships with Founders Hall and Friends of the Ridgefield Library. Additionally, Mrs. Esser enjoyed listening to audiobooks and sewing. 

Mrs. Esser is survived by her seven children: Lawrence, Claudia, Paul, Ferdinand (Fenn) & Marianne Messina, Phillip, Peter, and Katherine & Todd Perbix. Mrs. Esser is also survived by her nine grandchildren: Mary Esser, Elizabeth (Esser) Meyers, Robert Esser, Emily Esser, Christina Esser & Danilo Marin, Victoria Esser, Rebecca Brown, Jacqueline Brown and Truwe Esser as well as her great grandchildren, Frederick & Philip Meyers.

Family and friends will be received on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Kane Funeral Home; 25 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at 10:30 AM in Saint Elizabeth Seton Church; 520 Ridgebury Road, Ridgefield. Interment will follow in Saint Mary's Cemetery; 110 North Street, Ridgefield. 

Contributions in Mrs. Esser’s memory may be made to RVNA Health and Hospice or Ridgefield Meals on Wheels.

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