Esther Ruth Hannah (née Bartlett) passed into the presence of the Lord on March 3, 2024, at home and surrounded by her loving family. She was born in August 1965 in Inverness County, Cape Breton to Frederick and Ione Bartlett and was raised in Blues Mills surrounded by fields and beauty, and a large extended family. The character of her parents and grandparents impressed on her the values that marked her. The greatest moment in her life came when, as a teenager, she discovered two simple truths: she was not ready to meet God and God had made an offer of forgiveness. She accepted Christ as her Saviour and received eternal life. Esther formed a special mothering bond with her young brother Stephen during her mom’s ill health and passing in 1985. She graduated as an RN from the Halifax Infirmary and began her service at the hospital in Inverness.

In December 1988 she married Fred Hannah and moved to Toronto. They recently celebrated 35 happy years together. Esther loved being a mom! She put her heart and soul into nurturing, teaching, and loving her four children and later, their spouses. Many people looked on her as a second mom and confidante.

She worked for over 30 years as an emergency room nurse at Michael Garron Hospital where she was a beloved colleague and formed many lasting friendships. Esther was a unique person. She was warm, welcoming, and hospitable to so many. She had the ability to genuinely connect with others. A quick call, a text, or drop-in conversation was ingrained in her personality. She was the soft spot that all the family dogs gravitated to for treats and snuggles. She loved to laugh and was quick to see the funny side of things. She was generous with her time and energy; happy to serve others.

She was in fellowship at Highfield Gospel Hall where she showed, by example, a godly character, faithfulness, and love for the assembly. This past Sunday, she spent her first Remembrance Day in the presence of her Lord and Saviour whom she looked forward to meeting.

She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012 with a recurrence in 2019. She fought long and hard, always displaying a positive attitude, cheerfulness, and acceptance of God’s will.

Her loss is acutely felt by her beloved friend and husband Fred, children Caleb (Cailey), Breagh (Mike), Sarah (Allan), Liam, grandchildren Matt and Aila, father Fred (Connie), brothers Don (Carrie), Stephen (Thianna), sisters-in-law Margaret and Janet, half-siblings Joanna (Jamie), Joel, and Julie (Ryan) and so many family and friends who loved her.