SCARBOROUGH – Esther Atwood passed away peacefully Sunday morning Oct. 8, 2023 at Piper Shores in Scarborough at the age of 97.

She was born in 1926 the daughter of Mabel and Lawrence Cole. Esther grew up in Wyoming, Ohio and graduated from Wyoming High School. As a child her family spent summers on Vinalhaven. She attended the University of New Hampshire following in her father’s footsteps, she graduated in 1948 with a degree in social work.

It was on an outing club trip at UNH that she met her future husband, 1st Lieutenant John H. Atwood who had just returned to UNH from serving in the 10th Mountain Division in Italy. They were married in 1949 and spent 67 wonderful years together until John’s passing in 2015.

Esther worked as a social worker in Baltimore, Md. when John was called back to duty during the Korean Conflict.

In 1952 John accepted the position of manager at Mount Sunapee ski area and Esther worked as his secretary. In 1953 John and Esther moved to Fryeburg when John accepted the job of manager of Severance Lodge in Center Lovell.

Esther was involved in many of the events at the “Lodge” while raising three active children. Esther later became a real estate broker starting Atwood Realty. She also earned her pilot’s license although John was reluctant to fly with her.

Esther loved living in Fryeburg and its community. She was active in the Congregational Church, the Fryeburg Women’s Club, was a member of the Fryeburg Conservation Committee and was a ski instructor in the Junior Ski program that John founded.

She enjoyed the friendship of so many. She loved skiing at Pleasant Mountain with her family and the “ski group “, playing golf at Lake Kezar Country Club in the ladies league, and spending summers on Lake Kezar. Esther loved hosting dinner parties, playing bridge, volunteering and being active.

When John retired they had the opportunity to take many special trips and spent winters in Bonita Springs, Fla.

In 2009, John and Esther sold their beloved home in Fryeburg and moved to Piper Shores where they were welcomed and immersed in the community.

Esther was kind, compassionate, unselfish and had a wonderful sense of humor which made her a much loved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and the folks at Piper Shores.

Esther will also be remembered for her fighting spirit and resilience, surviving breast cancer in 1985.

She is survived by her daughter, Nancy and husband Kurt Mockler, sons John L. Atwood and wife Elly, Peter Atwood and wife Jennifer. Esther is also survived by her seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Her family will be forever grateful for the compassionate care and attention provided by the staff and nurses at Piper Shores.

Out of respect for Esther’s wishes there will be no services. Arrangements are under the care of Wood Funeral Home, 9 Warren St., Fryeburg. Online condolences may be shared with her family at http://www.chandlerfunerals.com

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