Esther Aikey

It is with great sorrow we announce the passing of our beautiful mother Esther E. (Lamphere) Aikey, 95, of Colchester. She resided in her Colchester home for 78 years.

 Esther was a woman of many talents with her life starting on the Lamoille River the daughter of a fisherman. Esther’s father took her to many places where she performed her tap dancing. At the age of twelve she had her first poetry published.

Esther married James H. Aikey in 1945, and they raised five children in the house her husband built. Regardless, of the task, a harder worker you will never find. Esther’s skillset and job experience was vast. She worked at the Ethan Allen Club in Burlington, was head cook at Green Mountain Nursing Home, Personal Assistant, and chauffeur to the Burke Estate and for many years at Buff Ledge Girls Camp. Esther opened the first flea market in the state of Vermont and attended many craft fairs to display her wears. Though she kept busy Esther was always one to lend a hand, whether it was doing your taxes or with household tasks. Her first love was writing, which she did throughout her entire life. Esther volunteered at bingos for 25 years and was Chairman of the Cystic Fibrosis Bike-a-thon. Our mother and father opened their home to many people over the years for any or all events. Esther’s quick wit and personable nature were always present to anyone she met or was in need. One of her greatest loves was her home which was immaculate inside and out, including her gardens. She loved music, dancing, a good game of cards/poker and writing good jokes. She was so good natured everyone enjoyed her company and lively spirit. The loss of our mother will be so hard to overcome as she was involved in every facet of our lives. A beautiful human being and a true matriarch to her family.

She leaves behind her daughter Sandra Gauthier and her husband Kevin of Colchester, Daughter Barbara Aikey of Colchester, Son James Aikey and his wife Deborah of Milton, Daughter Julie Archacki of Colchester, and Son Timothy Aikey of Colchester and partner Diane; Eight grandchildren, Gary II, James, Tasha-Lee, Heather and her husband Scott, Steven, Jason, Timothy, Nicholas; Ten great grandchildren, Joshua, James and wife Jess, Lucas, Elliot, Gary III, Julia, Haile, Olivia, Liam, and Chloe; her sister Beatrice Bryant of Springfield, VT; Close friends Jo Ann Aikey and Cathy Cimpa; plus many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband James; parents William and Ruby Lamphere; grandchildren, James, and Janelle Aikey; son-in-law, Walter Archacki; sisters, Ruth, Katherine, and Mildred; brothers, Ralph, Clayton, Clifton, and Hyland; ex-sons-in-law, Gary (Buddy) Caldwell and Steven W. Perron.

A visitation will be held Friday, June 9, from 4-8pm in the Minor Funeral Home & Cremation Center. A Funeral service will be held Saturday, June 10, at 11am in the United Church Of Milton, followed by a committal service at the West Milton Cemetery.