Racine – Esther Emily (nee: Shoop) Hathaway, 90, passed away at WFH – All Saints Hospital on Saturday, August 27, 2011.  She was a lifelong resident of Racine.  She was born on November 11, 1920, daughter of the late Zigg and Mary (nee: Schram) Shoop.

Esther graduated from Park High School in 1939.  Esther was an ordnance inspector for the military during World War II.  She was united in marriage to Leland A. Hathaway at Holy Name Catholic Church on December 30, 1944.  Leland preceded her in death in 1987.  Esther worked for many years as a secretary for Romme Printing, Johnson Wax, and Chrysler.  She was the women's bare bow state archery champion in 1974.  She was a lover of animals and children.  She helped fight to get a park for the kids in the Lake Park area.  Esther loved quilting and was a member of the Lighthouse Quilters.  She also will be fondly remembered for teaching basket making to the women of the Premiere Iglesias Church.  Above all, Esther loved being in the surroundings of her entire family, especially the grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Esther is survived by her children, Constance (Jerry) Hansche of Racine, James (Mary Phelps) Hathaway of Columbia, KY, Jason (Karin) Hathaway of Racine; grandchildren, Jerry (Joy) Hansche II, James (Cheryl) Hansche, Jennifer Hansche, Morgan Hathaway, Amber Hathaway, Roy Hathaway, Lee Hathaway, Cody Hathaway; 10 great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.  In addition to her parents and husband, Esther was preceded in death by her siblings, James, Leo, Virginia, Marie, Joe, Clarence; and special friend, Wayne Wilear.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00am on Wednesday, August 31, 2011, at St. Lucy Catholic Church, 3101 Drexel Avenue, with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating.  Visitation will be from 10:00am until the time of the service.  Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy 32.  Memorials have been suggested to the Humane Society of the United States (hsus.org) or to St. Jude Children Research Hospital.

The family would like to thank the staff of Wheaton Franciscan Hospice, especially Mary and Lori, for their love and care that they gave to our mother.