The Story of Esther

Born July 17, 1941 – Passed Away August 5, 2025 – Loved Forever

Our mom, Esther Rudiger, was many things: strong-willed, funny, loving, fiercely loyal—and completely unforgettable.

She was born on July 17, 1941, to Esther and Leonide Johnston in Owl River, Alberta, the fifth of eleven children. In a family that big, you either sink or swim. Mom swam—and often while dragging her sister Emma and a few brothers into whatever mischief they’d cooked up, then scrambling to hide when they got caught.

She adored her dad, following him everywhere—hunting, helping with chores, or just being part of whatever he was doing. She admired her mother just as much—wise, strong, and quietly powerful. That mix of grit and warmth shaped Mom for life.

At 16, she moved to Lac La Biche to finish high school, living with her sister Madeline. Though shy at first (hard to believe now), she quickly found her stride—making friends, playing baseball, curling, canoe racing, and dancing at every chance. We’ve never decided if she was the bad influence or if her friends were—though our money’s on Mom.

Town life had its perks: music, excitement, and boys. One of those boys was Barry Rudiger. Within a few years, she’d graduated high school, met Barry, and married him in 1961. Mom once dreamed of being an airline stewardess—“to fly all over the world in a spiffy uniform.” That dream shifted, but she worked and played like a champ. She started out with an insurance broker, then joined Alberta Vocational College in Lac La Biche, working her way up to Administration Officer—something she was proud of.

In the early ’80s, she and Dad moved his home-based plumbing and gas-fitting business into a shop in town, working side by side until Barry passed in 2002. It was the hardest job Mom ever had—but also the most rewarding. Barry’s Plumbing and Gas Fitting was her pride and joy, and she poured herself into it every day. She was proud of the work they did together and of the life they built through it.

During those years, they raised two daughters: Lee Anne Esther (1966) and Terri Patricia (1967). Lee Anne was busy, fearless, and curious—determined to give her parents the full parenting experience. Terri, 18 months later, was calm, quiet, and wise beyond her years. That balance stayed with us through life. Family life was full of joy—camping trips, weekends at the cabin, golf games (she liked to win), and hosting family gatherings where everyone knew they were welcome. She and her dear friend Lynne were famous for their legendary dinner parties—those two knew how to entertain, and the laughter from those nights could fill a room. The secret to a good party, she’d say, was that the host had fun too.

When Dad passed, Mom was shattered, but she carried on—as she always did. She closed the business, retired, and filled her life with family, friends, and the things she loved most. For a few years, Mom lived with her companion, Tom Murowchuck. That was an experience for Mom—and for us all. Tom was a character, and during those years there were many good times out in the “shack” and around the fire pit.

She made sure family stayed connected. She believed birthdays were sacred, friends were family, and everyone deserved to feel seen. She welcomed our friends like her own, long after we’d left home. She loved a good visit, a good story, and a good laugh. Even this past June, she was out and about in Rosebud, Alberta, for a weekend to take in dinner and a play—soaking up the moment as always.

She was proud of the lives we made. Terri married Jonathan Gawryletz and stayed in Lac La Biche. Lee Anne lives in Edmonton with her life partner, Jerry Juzwa. Mom liked to joke that Terri “married right” and I “shacked up”—but she loved us both fiercely.

Mom outlived many of her siblings and friends, but her spark never dimmed. She taught us to be strong, to speak up, to laugh loud, to cook generously, and to never back down from what matters. She believed in dancing, in birthdays, and in stories—and she made sure we had plenty to tell.

So every year on July 17, we will raise our glass to Esther—our mom, sister, auntie, and friend. The one who made every gathering louder, every story wilder, and every one of us a little better for having known her.