Obituary: Esther Louise Koch

She was born June 21, 1926, to Amelia and Roger Mesa in Tampa. She was the oldest of five children.

She was preceded in death by her brothers, Roger Jr. and Robert. She is survived by brother, Franklin; and sister, Gerry.

She met her “Forever Love” Albert Richard, a member of the U.S. Coast Guard, in 1942, whom she married upon his discharge in May 1946, and was preceded in death.

A remarkable woman who had a genuine love of music, reading, gardening and cooking. She will be sorely missed by her loving family of seven children: three daughters, Donna, Brenda and Vikki (William); and four sons, Richard, Robert, Vincent and Frederick (Jeanne); 10 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held in her honor at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, at The Lamb of God Lutheran Church, 901 Scenic Highway, Haines City, FL 33844.

In lieu of flowers, live plants are requested.

I can never say goodbye to you, because I could never bear the pain. Instead I say I love you, Mom, until we meet again. — Brenda Carter