Le Rae Esterberg died peacefully at The Ridge, an Alzheimer’s care facility in Silverdale, on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2015 with her daughter Wyn and granddaughter Asha, at her side. She and her husband Gordon, of 67 years, had lived together in their home in Kingston for more than 20 years. She had designed this home, as well as the log cabin they built in Edmonds in 1950.

In her retirement she encouraged her husband to travel, both to some far away places like New Zealand but also throughout the West in their RV. Both were very interested in history and geography and made a point of learning. While at home she volunteered to teach adult literacy and was a member of a North Kitsap writing group.

Her writing reflected her difficult childhood, and themes of social justice. Among her childhood friends were a number of Japanese Americans in Seattle, who were sent away to the internment camps, but she maintained lifelong contact with them, and treasured their friendships.

She is survived by her son, Kim Esterberg and her daughters Kari Thompson and Wyn Abbott. She may have been lost to Alzheimer’s, but was not forgotten by children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She leaves her family and her dear friend Maylou Emnott.