Obituary of Esther R. Swimley

Esther R. Swimley of Canandaigua went to her eternal home with her Lord Jesus Christ on June 5, 2025. Esther was born on October 26, 1935, in Watertown, NY to Rev. Stanley and Myrtle Lawrence, the youngest of four siblings. While residing in Westfield, PA, Esther graduated from Cowanesque Valley High School and in 1957 she graduated from Houghton College to begin a career in teaching. Throughout her career she was a respected teacher/substitute teacher in several school districts and worked for many years administering ASVAB tests. Esther's life was focused on service to her Savior and her family. Esther married Gary L. Swimley on July 5, 1958, and together they were blessed with nearly 67 years of faithfulness together. In addition to her husband, she is survived by Susan (Keith) Schrader, Keith (Kelly) Swimley, and Carol (Tim) Shoemaker, grandchildren Aaron (Mariah), Kara, Daniel (Michelle) Schrader, Abbie (Donovan) Snyder, Kiersten (Benjamin) Lanning, Kalisa (Philippe) Herszon, Collin (Anna) Swimley, David, Matthew Shoemaker, and Holly (Ethan) Ott, and 20 Great-Grandchildren. Esther's relationship with each of these people has left an impact that created a lasting legacy. Esther and Gary invested in people throughout their life together through youth ministry, teaching, and service in their local church, including the past 43 years at Crosswinds Wesleyan Church in Canandaigua. Esther was an accomplished seamstress, gardener, and crossword puzzler. She was a gracious hostess, passionate about missions, and faithful in praying for others. Calling hours will be at Crosswinds Wesleyan Church, 3360 Middle Cheshire Road, Canandaigua on Thursday, June 12th from 5:00 – 7:00 PM and Friday, June 13th from 11:00 -1:00 PM with a memorial service following. Memorial gifts may be made to the Paul S. Lawrence Memorial Scholarship, Houghton College 1 Willard Ave. Houghton, NY 14744 or West Indies Self Help, WISH P.O. Box 221608 St. Louis, MO 63122-9997 Arrangements have been entrusted to Fuller Funeral Home. To share a memory or express condolences online, please visit www.fullerfh.com