Esther Rook (Née Jacobsen)

Esther Rook passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Saturday, December 17, 2022 at the age of 88 years. Esther was born and raised in Calgary, AB.  She grew up in the Community of Valleyfield and attended Ramsay School.

In 1957, Esther married the love of her life Donald Rook.  They shared 55 wonderful years together which included welcoming their four children: a daughter, Karen and three sons, Rob, Gus and Jim.

While living in Valleyfield, Esther worked at a telegraph office delivering telegrams until she graduated from Nursing school. In 1954, she began a new career as a Nurse’s Aide. In 1975, Esther found herself working for the City of Calgary as a Child Care Worker. She changed jobs in 1985 and worked at Beverly Centre (nursing home) in Calgary for over 8 years, then took on the role of caring for her grandchildren as the parents worked. This was her favorite job ever. In Esther’s spare time she volunteered as a driver for the Cancer Clinic.

Esther was a very caring and loving person who was always smiling.  She took it upon herself to take care of people throughout her life, through her work, and within her family.  You could always count on Esther to remember important dates such as anniversaries or birthdays.  On her own birthday, Esther always looked forward to that special phone call from her brother Alan to catch up and share what had been going on in their lives.

Esther enjoyed watching television with her family.  Some of her favorite shows included The Young and Restless (she loved to share the drama ongoings with her daughter Karen), Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, Judge Judy, and the Price is Right (which she loved to watch with Gus in the morning). She also enjoyed watching sports such as curling and football where she cheered on her favorite teams, Brad Gushie, and the Calgary Stampeders. She kept up to date on these sporting events with help from her grandson, Kyle.  When there was “nothing to watch” as Esther would say, she enjoyed reading a good book. She especially liked to read Westerns by the author, William Johnston.

Some of Esther’s favorite foods included shrimp, chips and gravy, candy, and chocolate. However, going out to restaurants like China Rose with her son, Rob and to Peters Drive-Inn for a hamburger with her daughter Karen were always special highlights to her day. She also enjoyed sharing meals at Red Lobster and the Casino.

Travelling the world gave Esther a spark of joy and experience. At the age of 22 she travelled to Denmark by ship. Over the years she made many trips to Las Vegas to play the slot machines. She also made two trips to Hawaii, and drove across Canada sleeping in a tent with her husband Donald.

Esther loved to watch the fireworks at Globalfest each year in August alongside Jeanette’s family. She attended the Calgary Stampede Parade, securing the perfect spot at 4 am in the morning. She loved to attend the Shamrock Christmas lunches, Spruce Meadows Christmas Lights, going to the casino, Bingos (in her earlier days), watching chuckwagon races in Strathmore, and most of all spending time with her family.

Esther will be loving remembered by her children, Karen, Rob (Lee-Anne), Gus, Jim (Diane); grandchildren, Katie, Kyle, Justin, Samantha, Kayden and Tyler; great-grandchildren, Mayla and Hendrix; and brother, Alan Jacobson. She was predeceased by her husband, Donald Rook; parents, Harriett and Carl Jacobsen; granddaughter, Nikki Krukoff; brother, Bill Jacobson; and sister, Joan Tharou.

A Public Visitation will take place prior to the Funeral Service at Pierson’s Forest Lawn Chapel (4121 – 17 Avenue SE, Calgary) on Tuesday, December 27, 2022 at 10:00 a.m.

A Funeral Service will be held at Pierson’s Forest Lawn Chapel (4121 – 17 Avenue SE, Calgary) on Tuesday, December 27, 2022 at 11:00 a.m.

A Graveside Service will take place at Queen’s Park Cemetery, following the reception.