Esther Roulain Orton, retired nurse

Esther Roulain Orton, 75, a native of Lewes, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018, surrounded by family and dear friends. She was born July 23, 1943, daughter of the late Capt. George Herbert Orton Jr. and Dr. Evelyn Gettys Orton, both of Lewes.

Esther graduated from Lewes High School in 1961. She was also a graduate of Beebe Hospital School of Nursing. Esther continued her education at Wesley College, Delaware Technical Community College and Wilmington College. After graduating from Beebe Hospital School of Nursing, she started her career as an RN in Beebe Hospital's Emergency Department. She worked in various prestigious hospitals nationwide as a supervising emergency room nurse, as well as an intensive care nurse. Esther relocated back to Delaware to be closer to her family and friends. She eventually retired from her nursing career, working for the state of Delaware at Stockley Center.

Esther was a member of several community organizations, including St. Peter's Episcopal Church and the Lewes Historical Society. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, as well as various nursing organizations. Esther loved the beach, spending time with family and friends, shopping, music and dancing. She was adventurous, enjoyed traveling and living life to the fullest. Esther often said, "I wish there were more hours in the day." Esther had a close circle of friends whom she considered family.

In addition to her parents, Esther was preceded in death by her sister, Evelyn Orton Bura of Brooklyn, N.Y.; and her nephews: Jason Wright and Juan-Miguel Otero, both of Lugoff, S.C. She is survived by her daughters: Amie Roulain Brown of Montrose, Colo., and Myles Evelyn Brown of Lewes; her grandchildren: William T. Schmidt and Dory M. Schmidt, both of Montrose; and her sisters: Elma Orton Wright and Martha "Patty" Orton Still, both of Lugoff. Esther was also the proud aunt of Russell "Chip" Wright, Michael Whitney, Onatel Otero Leal, and Tomas Otero.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, Dec. 15, at 11 a.m., at Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, where friends may visit beginning at 10 a.m.  Interment will be private.

Please visit Esther's Life Memorial Webpage and sign her online guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.