of Conway, AR
November 24, 1929 - April 6, 2011
Margaret Mary "Marge" Esser, 81, of Conway, Arkansas passed away Wednesday, April 6, 2011, at Hospice Home Care in Little Rock, Arkansas. Margaret was born in Maria Stein, Mercer, Ohio on November 24, 1929 to Gregor Joseph and Regina Mary Kramer Esser, Sr.
Margaret served the Catholic Church as a nun from the age of 15, and her early education through the Catholic school system. She completed her Bachelor's degree by the age of 17, and began teaching in Cleveland, Ohio in 1946.
Margaret continued her advanced education under a National Science Foundation grant in Math and Science at the University of Illinois in Champagne-Urbana, Illinois. She was one of 60 educators selected from a group of more than 2000 math and science teachers nationwide who applied for the grant, which allowed her to complete her Master's and PhD (a.b.t.) degree in the mid-1950's. After completion of her PhD (a.b.t.), Margaret began teaching college mathematics at St. Leo College near Tampa, Florida. Margaret left the convent in 1964 at the age of 35, though she remained an active member of the Catholic Church. She continued teaching advanced mathematics at the University of South Florida and Hillsborough Community College, also in Tampa, Florida, until her early retirement from the Florida school system in 1983. Margaret relocated to Arkansas in 1983, and taught various subjects at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, as well as at the high school level in Scotland. She finally retired from her formal teaching career in 1991 at the age of 63.
Margaret has completed her earthly mission of life and has now gone to be at home with our Heavenly Father, and to a joyous reunion with many of her loved ones. Preceding her in death are her parents, a brother, Gregor Joseph Esser II, and sister Dolores M. "Dee" Esser Byers.
Survivors include her son, Eric Eugene Esser (Summer) of Yangzhou, China. She has three granddaughters, Sara Elizabeth Esser of Malvern, Arkansas, Kaitlyn Margaret Esser of San Jose, California, and Sophia Yuwei Zhao of Yangzhou, China. She also has a number of nieces and nephews, Mark Allen Esser of Quitman, Arkansas, Karen Elaine Esser Moore of Clewiston, Florida, John Eric Esser (Kerry) of Mabelvale, Arkansas, Gregor Joseph Esser III (Duchess) and Matthew William Esser both of Conway, Arkansas. Margaret also found great joy from her many great nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Saturday at 1:00 PM, April 9, 2011 at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Conway. Burial service will follow at Crabtree Cemetery in Clinton, Arkansas. Online Guest book: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com
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15 Condolence(s)
Lisa
Thursday, November 17, 2022
When Marge was teaching at St. Leo she introduced Patrick and me. We’ve been married 50 years. She knew we were right for each other. We lost touch with her when she left Florida. She will always live in my heart.
Lisa
Thursday, November 17, 2022
When Marge was teaching at St. Leo she introduced Patrick and me. We’ve been married 50 years. She knew we were right for each other. We lost touch with her when she left Florida. She will always live in my heart.
Lisbeth Cruz
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
What a great friend. I met her in 1968 while attending St Leo University if Florida. We remained friends all these years. There was a bond between us and her letters were invaluable through the years. She loved well and now is experiencing the fullness of LOVE and LIFE. May she rest in peace and watch over all those who loved her in this life.
Eric, Sara, Cristi, my prayers are with you.
greer Grace
Monday, April 11, 2011
Charles and I are so sorry we did not make it to Nanny's funeral. We did not know she died until today (Monday) Barnett and I were out of town. We will go visit the gravesight this week. The world is a better place for having had her here.
brenda benton
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Margaret lived across from my Mom, Ellen and would take her food. Remember the deviled eggs she always made. She came in our grocery store alot and was so sweet. We gave her some tables after Mom passed and she LOVED them. We always wondered where she moved to. Now she's moved on to Heaven. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you, God bless you all.
Nancy Warlick
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. It was always so good to see her smiling face when she would come in our grocery store (Harvest Foods), now Food Giant. She would always stop and talk to the employees.
Jeff Wyborny
Sunday, April 10, 2011
I only had Ms. Esser at Scotland High for my senior year but remember how fun she made learning. In the years since, I have come to know her as Aunt Marge and always enjoyed visiting with her. I found her to be fun, interesting and engaging in conversation. I will miss her. You all are in our prayers.
Mary Black
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Sara and Eric and Cristi, although I already left a messsage, I wanted you to know I am thinking of you today. Cristi, I know what an important part of your life Nanny was and I send sister-hugs to you. Love you all.
Mary
Pat Walsh
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Keeping all the family in our thoughts and prayers. May your memories be a source of peace for you. She served as a beacon in your life. God bless and keep all of you. Beacon of Hope St. Joseph Conway.
jackie and don standley
Saturday, April 9, 2011
dearest nanny, we got to spend alot of time with you when eric and cristi lived in texas.. you were a wonderful and loving mother and grandmother, and it showed in every smile... we know you will be missed greatly.. and to sara and eric- our love as always, hang in there
Katie
Friday, April 8, 2011
Nanny,
Katie would like you to take care of all the animals in heaven, she knows you will, especially Tigger and Bonnie..
Message to you from her, you are a beautiful angel..and I am named after you, I am lucky.
Katie Esser
Lisa
Friday, April 8, 2011
Nanny,
May you rest in peace and know how much you are loved.
Your love for your family and always wanting to help others will always be remembered.
May you be in peace and know how much you meant to all of us.
Lisa and Katie
Mary Black
Friday, April 8, 2011
Our deepest sympathies on your loss. Nanny was such a dear sweet woman. An excellent educator and role model for her students. Always quick to offer her assistance to anyone who might need it. A true friend regardless of the circumstances. A wonderful mother and grandmother. Eric and Sara, please know that we are thinking of you during your time of loss. Love, Mary, Al and David Black
Cristi
Friday, April 8, 2011
Nanny,
We are all so blessed to have had you in our lives. Words cannot describe what a wonderful Mother, Grandmother (Nanny), Sister, Aunt, Educator, and friend you have been to us.
You have impacted our lives in so many ways. Our lives will never be the same without you. Rest now my dear friend, I will always love you.
Kim
Thursday, April 7, 2011
She was a wonderful and caring teacher. She made learning fun and it always showed! it is very fortunate that we were lucky to have been touched by her desire to teach!! We know that she will be greatly missed and a void has been left. May the Lord provide all the family comfort and strength!