MONTVILLE — Esther Mathieson died peacefully surrounded by her loving family at her home in Montville, Maine on February 18, 2020.

Born March 28, 1932 and raised in Appleton, Maine, Esther grew up on her family farm with parents Frank and Sheila Hart, sister Carolyn, and brother Frank. She attended school in Appleton and was a devoted 4-H member.

After graduating high school, Esther married the love of her life, William (Bill) Russell Mathieson, and moved to Montville where they resided on the Mathieson Farm for the rest of their lives. Esther worked at Penobscot Frozen Foods for 31 years and had many friends there.

Esther was an amazing cook and loved gathering the family for hearty Sunday dinners as well as providing meals and refreshing drinks for all of the family and friends who worked in the hay fields on hot summer days. She was a proud mother and wife and loved her life on the farm.

She was an avid and extremely talented knitter, crochetier and seamstress. Family members looked forward to her handmade gifts on Christmas and birthdays.

Esther and Bill enjoyed spending time and playing cards with her sister Carolyn and brother-in-law Howard Collins, and their beloved neighbors, Burleigh and Alice Foy; the six of them most likely solving the problems of the world. They truly cherished the Foys and thought of them and their children as family.

Esther was a devoted Red Sox and Patriots fan. She and Carolyn would call each other several times during a Red Sox game to discuss plays and stats. She was the family expert when it came to baseball knowledge. She was very involved in town politics and enjoyed visits and talks with her dear friend Ginnie Walker, where local issues were the main topic of conversation.

She was lucky to have her “adopted son” Sheldon next door, who cooked and delivered homemade meals to her later in life. She also bonded with Lisa and the dialysis team, and her circle of friends at DCI, including her good buddy, Ken.

We all thank you so much for your friendship and the loving care that you gave her.

Esther is predeceased by her parents, Frank and Sheila; husband, William; son, Donald; daughter, Rosalie; and sister, Carolyn.

Esther is survived by her children, Stephen Mathieson and wife Sheree, Gregory Mathieson, Jane Stairs and husband Wendell, Rachel Mathieson and partner Adam; grandchildren; Gage and wife Chasity, Amber and husband Mike, C.J., Heath, William, Abraham, Ane and partner Lacy, Jessie and husband Davila, Janet, and Ruby; great grandchildren, Jillian, Annabelle, and Amelia; and great-great grandchildren K.J. and Evelyn; brother, Frank Hart and wife Muriel; as well as many nieces and nephews, and cousins.

A funeral service will take place Sunday, February 23, at 11 a.m., Riposta Funeral Home, 182 Waldo Avenue, Belfast, Maine 04915.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Belfast Soup Kitchen, 1 Belmont Ave, Belfast, ME 04915 or Waldo County Firefighter’s Association www.waldocountyfirefightersassociation.com/.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.ripostafh.com.