Esther C. Ludorf

Esther Coe Ludorf, a lifelong resident of Woodbury and Southbury, passed away peacefully in her sleep July 25, 2022, at the age of 92.

Esther was born at Waterbury Hospital on Nov. 20, 1929. She was the eldest daughter of the late Charles Anson Coe and Alberta Bronson Coe. 

Growing up on her family’s dairy farm in Woodbury, Esther developed her lifelong interests in local lore and history, folk and hymnal music, and animals of all kinds, especially songbirds. She loved her family and was extremely proud of her parents’ origins, as well as her country, and was deeply patriotic.

Esther also enjoyed organizing events at The Grange, where she grew to love square dancing. She was very interested in fashion and was an excellent dressmaker.

While she grew up on a farm, the ocean was close to her heart as she enjoyed summers in Nantucket with her family through much of her youth and adult life, as well as trips to Charlestown, R.I., where she loved seaside fishing trips and feeding the seagulls.

Esther’s love of music expanded over her life to include many genres as she always surrounded herself with song, from Broadway showtunes to country music from favorites Willie Nelson and Porter Wagoner. She also loved to strike up a song alongside Abe, Marty, and Matt’s guitar playing.

Esther was a cheerleader, and member of the Choral Group and Homemaker Club at Woodbury High School, graduating in 1948. She then attended Hartford School of Design. During her undergraduate studies, she worked as a printmaker and in retail sales at Brown Thompson department store in Hartford.

In addition to her parents, Esther is predeceased by her husband, Calvin “Bucky” Ludorf, her youngest son Dean Ludorf, and her longtime partner Roy Bishop.

Esther is survived by her son, Martin Ludorf (Deborah), daughters Norma Carey and Kathy Lent (David); three grandchildren, Ariel Carey, Holly Lent, and Leann Carey; five great-grandchildren and a sixth great-grandchild due to arrive in August; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life for Esther will be held Saturday, August 6, 2022, at 9:30 a.m. at South Britain Congregational Church, 693 South Britain Rd., Southbury.   

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Esther to:

Woodbury American Legion Post #155: P.O. Box 413, Woodbury, CT  06798

Southbury Historical Society: P.O. Box 124, Southbury, CT  06488

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