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Mailander -- Esther J. Mailander passed peacefully from this life, Thursday, March 14, 2002 in Albuquerque, NM. She was born November 28, 1928 to Ed and Esther (Wackerle) Williams in Welch, OK. Esther and her family left Oklahoma during the Dust Bowl, and settled in Mountainair, NM in 1931. Esther graduated as Salutatorian from Mountainair High School in 1946, and was awarded a full scholarship to attend New Mexico Highlands University in Las Vegas. While attending NMHU, Esther joined Delta Zeta Sorority, was elected Homecoming Queen, studied Biology and Education. Following her graduation from Highlands, Esther was employed by the Albuquerque Public School system and began teaching in 1950 at Whittier Elementary School. During her first year of teaching, Esther met her future husband, Jim Mailander, during the Teachers' Convention in October of 1950. Jim preceded Esther in death in 1996. They are survived by her beloved children and their spouses and families: Mary Ellen (James Kindley; Seth, Jeff, Lisa and Laura) of Albuquerque, William (Donna Wetmore; Sara and Jaimie) of Boston, MA, and Joseph (Kathy Meuser Mailander; Olivia, Peter, and Rachel) of Las Cruces, NM. Esther is also survived by her extended family and their children; Mrs. Rosemary Brechwald and Dr. Marcia Mailander of Onalaska, WI, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Mailander of Fort Dodge, IA and Dr. and Mrs. Wayne Tice of Kansas City, KS. Esther was devoted to the needs of"special" children. Her professional career spanned thirty-four years. She obtained a Master's Degree in Special Education from the University of New Mexico. Esther was instrumental in bringing those children with severe and profound disabilities into the mainstream of everyday school life. Esther was one of the 'old broads' of Special Education serving as a classroom teacher, diagnostician, coordinator of the East Area of APS, and founding director of the District Diagnostic Center. In 1987, Esther was chosen as the New Mexico State Administrator of the Year, cited for her long-term commitment to special needs children and youth. Esther's time as an instructor in the Department of Special Education at the University of New Mexico enabled her to enjoy meeting and mentoring the young professionals who were to follow her. Esther was a member of John XXIII Catholic Community and enjoyed her time as one of the 'flower' arrangers.' She was proud of her fifty-five year affiliation with Delta Zeta Sorority, and received the Order of the Golden Rose (their highest honor) in 1998. She was also a member of the Council for Exceptional Children, serving as an officer and speaker at national conventions. Jim and Esther loved to travel-Christmas in Mexico, and summers exploring different European countries. Esther was an enthusiastic hostess, card player, pianist, swimmer, yoga devotee, opera lover, and gardener. Esther never met a stranger! Whenever she encountered a difficulty, she chose to call it an adventure, and encouraged everyone to relish challenges. Since 1995, Alzheimer's disease has increasingly diminished the essence of Esther. This pernicious disease robbed her of her memory and personality, and left her family and friends to mourn her passing long before her death. She has been well taken care of by many loving caregivers. Heartfelt thanks go to the kind people who held her hand, and answered her questions over and over again. Esther's current caregiving team have been magnificent. Special thanks to Emily, Kevin, Veronica, Yusleidy, Venessa, Flor, Lenore, Erick, Bryant, Tannah, Jackie, Ramona, Galina, Marta and Beth for your loving care of Esther. We have appreciated the prayer services led by Lay Pastor, Steve Rohrer from Eastern Hills Baptist. Presbyterian Hospice staff (Lin, Joni, Jean, Indira and Linda) were invaluable team members as Esther made her transition from this life. The Mitchell Elementary School Staff and Community have been wonderful support to Esther's daughter and family, during this time of need. Mass will be celebrated Monday, March 18, 2002, 11:00 a.m., at John XXIII Catholic Community, 4831 Tramway Ridge Dr. NE, with Father Arkad Biczak officiating. Friends may visit with family one hour prior to Mass at church. Private interment will take place at Santa Fe National Cemetery. In memory of Esther, we would ask you to reach out with love to any 'special' person whom you encounter and greet them with respect. She would be proud! Esther's signature song was excerpted from the anthem of the Army Air Corps, her husband's military branch...so we will hum along and sing..."Off you go into the wild blue yonder, rising into the sky!" Vaya con Dios, Mom. We love you. Arrangements by French Mortuary, 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE.
        Published on: Sun March 17, 2002