Esther Dolores Gow

Esther Dolores Gow was born on March 31, 1929, in New Mexico to Patricio Enrique and Antonia Frances Trujillo.  The family later moved to Longmont, Colorado where she attended most of her schooling and then finally settled in Southern California.  She and her father both worked at Douglas Aircraft where she met her future husband Gordon D. Gow.  They were married on April 25, 1953, and welcomed their firstborn Donald in 1954, followed by Gordon 1955, Tracy 1957, Barbara 1959, and Louise 1966.  She was blessed with six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

She was a devout Catholic and long-time member of the same parish, since its inception in 1953, St. Pancratius in Lakewood.  Esther served on the Women’s Parish Council for several years and she and Gordon were also very active in the Boy Scouts during their children’s elementary school years.  She became a member of Court Marian #1669 for the Catholic Daughters of the Americas holding many state levels including State Regent representing California courts at national functions.  She remained active up until just a few years ago.  She enjoyed overseeing and participating in charitable events both locally and nationally.

Esther is survived by sons Donald and Gordon (Debbie) and daughter Barbara (Greg).  She was a loving grandmother to Michael, Ryan, Kevin, Nathan, Megan and Kaylee and great-grandchildren Keegan and Kailyn.  She is also survived by her sister Mary Martha Joan Silva, as well as many nieces and nephews.  She is preceded in death by her loving husband of 60 years Gordon, son Tracy, daughter Louise, parents Patricio and Frances Trujillo, siblings Mary Janet Silva, Benjamin, Helen Jane and Lucile Grace Trujillo, who she dearly missed.  She was a strong and loving mother and consoler who cherished her entire family.

She will be remembered for her great smile and sense of humor as well as her loving care for her family, and the many strangers she befriended and aided through the Catholic Daughters.

A visitation service will take place on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Luyben Dilday Mortuary 5161 Arbor Road, Long Beach, CA.  A burial will be held Wednesday, December 13, 2023, at 1:30 PM at Riverside National Cemetery 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA.