Esther Blumenthal

Our mother, Esther April Blumenthal, 96, a longtime resident of Savannah, died peacefully at her home on November 4th, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Interment was held on November 5th, 2024, in Bonaventure Cemetery with Rabbi Avigdor Slatus officiating. 

Esther, the eldest of two, was born in Montreal, Canada October 24th, 1928, to Fanny (Karakovsky) and Rabbi Simon April. Her childhood years were spent in Butler, Pa. where her father held a pulpit, and in her later years her father moved the family to Miami Fla. where he served as Rabbi. Esther went to Miami High School, where she graduated as Valedictorian, and then continued her education at the University of Miami. On a winter break visit to Savannah in 1945, Esther, at the age of 17, met the love of her life- Herbert Blumenthal and they were married the following May. Esther and Herbie were married for 67 years. Herbie predeceased his loving Esther in 2013. 

Esther, while raising her family, was an energetic volunteer and a pillar of the Savannah Jewish community, where she held many leadership roles. Esther, a lifelong learner, was known for her keen intellect and gracious demeanor. She carried herself with grace and greeted all with a welcoming warmth.

She was President of Savannah Hadassah and held many leadership positions at her beloved synagogue, Congregation Bnai Brith Jacob. Esther, dedicated to Jewish education, together with her husband, was a founding member of the Savannah Hebrew Day School. She worked tirelessly to ensure the school's success. Once Esther's youngest was in school she joined her husband Herbie in the family business, B and B Paint Company, where they worked until their retirement in 1987. 

Esther was also a gracious hostess and celebrated many occasions and holidays in her home with family and friends. Her Sabbath table, on Friday nights, always included guests.

However, most important to our mother was her relationship with her children, their spouses, her grandchildren and great-grands. We feel so Blessed to have had this remarkable and positive role model in our lives for such a long time. 

 Esther is survived by her younger brother Rabbi Samuel and sister-in-law Judy April of Boca Raton Florida; her loving children: Harvey Blumenthal (wife Susan -predeceased) of Potomac Md., Sarah (Jerald) Gottlieb of Savannah, and Debbie (Bill) Schrag of New Rochelle, NY. She was blessed with seven grandchildren: Laura Blumenthal (Seth) Tobin, Joseph (Leah) Gottlieb, Michelle Blumenthal (Daniel) Abramowitz, Rebecca Gottlieb (Abe) Sutton, Elliot Schrag, Rebecca Schrag (Benjy) Mayer and Suzanne Schrag (Josh) Epstein. Esther was blessed with 20 great grandchildren ranging in age from three months to 15 years. In her later years, Mrs. Blumenthal cherished her association with her devoted loving aides: Barbara Davis, Liz Norman, Josey Coleman, Louise Grant, Regina Mills and Venessa Mitchell. In addition, in the last 18 months of her life, Esther was blessed with the loving care of Tricia Alderman, RN of Hospice Savannah.

 Remembrances: Rambam Day School, 111 Atlas Street, Savannah Georgia, 31405, Congregation Bnai Brith Jacob, 5444 Abercorn Street, Savannah Georgia, 31405 or a charity of the donor's choice.