Esther Margol, a woman of remarkable independence, boundless energy, and deep compassion, passed away peacefully in her home on March 10, 2026. Born in Valdosta, Georgia, in 1927, she was the youngest daughter of Latvian immigrants Benjamin and Rose Landey. Esther carried forward her parents’ legacy of hard work and resilience throughout her 98 years.
Fiercely independent and determined to live life on her own terms, Esther celebrated her 90th birthday by purchasing a brand-new Cadillac and remained an enthusiastic participant in water aerobics at her local pool well into her mid-90s. An avid collector, she traveled widely in search of vintage head vases and egg cups, eventually assembling one of the largest egg cup collections. While working full-time, she devoted herself to community service and her Latvian Jewish heritage. Together with her husband, Howard, she co-founded the American Fund for Latvian Lithuanian Jews and helped establish and fund a soup kitchen and medical clinic in Lithuania. For more than two decades, she was also a dedicated volunteer with the Northside Hospital Auxiliary.
Esther’s greatest joy was her family. She shared a loving marriage of 69 years with Howard. She is survived by her four children, Bruce, Gary, Felice, and Maury, as well as nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, all of whom carry forward her spirited heart and no-nonsense wisdom. She lived with fierce determination and a sharp mind, leaving the world a better place.
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