Esther M. Mullaney, age 100, beloved sister of the late James and Edward. Esther graduated from the Longwood Academy in Bevely Hills; received her bachelors degree in education from Northwestern University; and attended the University of Chicago and the Traphagen School of Design in New York City. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma Society for women educators. She retired after 43 years of teaching in the Chicago Public Schools during which she took a two year leave of absence to serve with the 159th General American Hospital Recreation Program of the American Red Cross in Yeovil, England. Following that she received a Fullbright Scholarship, which enabled her to teach Home Economics in the R.C. School for Home Economics in Hague, Netherlands. Most of her teaching years were at Burbank and Spaulding where she taught children who were visually impaired, as well as children with other handicaps. It was her encouragement of their potential, her patience, her creativity and her exquisite sense of humor that endeared her to them as well as her peers. When applying for the Fullbright Scholarship one of her many recommendations said, “She is one of the finest representatives of the Chicago Public School teachers…she is extremely capable, has an unusual understanding of children particularly adolescents, and a very fine understanding of the educational process.” She had a wealth of friends who were continually aware of her dry wit and rich sense of humor; her impeccable sense of loyalty and her generosity of spirit. She traveled widely both abroad and at home and became a natural ambassador of good will wherever her travels took her. For many years she was an active parishioner of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church and more recently of the Church of St. Ita. Memorial Mass, Friday, May 24, 3:45 p.m. at the Admiral Retirement Community, 909 W. Foster, Chicago, IL 60640. Memorials to Misericordia, 6300 N. Ridge Ave., Chicago, IL 60660. For info: Nelson Funeral Home, 773-561-5147
