On December 23, 2019, Esther May Lacque Lower Hill, long time resident of Orland, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her family.

Esther was born May 25, 1932 to Clarence Andrew and Mary Winifred Lacque in St. Helena, the youngest of eight siblings. In 1947 the family moved from Napa to Capay. In December 1950 Esther married Donald J. Lower. Together they had four children. In March 1965 Don suddenly became ill with a brain tumor and passed away April 13, 1965.

In March 1967, while visiting in Napa, a friend of Esther's dared her to call her old Napa High sweetheart, Richard (Dick) Hill. She took that dare and called him. He was pleased to hear from her and invited her and her four children over. They dated for three months and were married June 17, 1967.

Esther is survived by her husband, Dick, of 52 years, a sister Mildred Shreve, children Donna Lower Henderson, Terry Lower Lombardi, Beverly Hill Earl (Jim), Michael Lower (Karen), David Lower (Donna), Richard Hill, Jr., Brian Hill, 16 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Esther was preceded in death by her parents Clarence and Mary Lacque, brothers Darrell, Sam, and Bo Lacque, sisters Bernice Lacque Simmons, Henrietta Lacque Andersen, and Ada Lacque Searcey, and husband Donald Lower.

Esther and Richard were members of Orland Search and Rescue and Charter Members of the Orland VIP's. Esther was also a member of the Orland Women's Club and Catholic Altar Society. She was passionate about the welfare of animals and was one of the founding members of the Orland Town and Country Humane Society. She enjoyed organizing many Reno bus trips and Bingo Nights to raise funds for the shelter.

There will be a mass at Saint Dominic's, in Orland, on February 1st at 11:00 with a reception to follow at the Parish Hall. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Town and Country Humane Society.