Esther Abigail Hand Fronkier, 52, was born to John (deceased) and Pat Hand in Somerville, NJ. Esther stepped joyfully into Heaven on Wednesday, September 11, 2024.
This, her earthly beginning and end; but what beauty transpired in that great hyphen in-between! Surrounded in childhood by eight siblings, Esther received an early education on the joys (and trials) of cooperation with our fellow man. In those years, she also experienced the rich, yet sacrificial life of missions work, as her parents operated a Christian camp in the beautiful mountain area of Woolwine, VA.
Fast-forwarding, we see Esther’s marriage to Louis, their parenting of 4 beautiful children and a deep commitment to training them “in the way they should go” by means of example, home education and the love of Jesus Christ.
Esther was not only devoted to her husband and family, but her ‘wiring’ for all things artfully beautiful, her discernment, analytical nature and genuine concern for others leached into all her relationships. Her quick wit and candid humor did, as well! Perhaps this is the reason so many of her friends considered her a close friend and her closest friends all claimed her as their ‘Best’ friend! Esther and Louis’ care for others, combined with their abundant hospitality, created a space of trust in which their encouragement and biblically based counsel was often sought. Wise beyond her years, in most recent months, Esther dug even more deeply into her Savior, His Spirit and His Word, desiring more of that ‘grace upon grace’ He promises His children. She was rewarded in “Giant Steps” of trust, reflecting inner healing and peace that supernaturally surpasses human understanding. -And Esther would have the reader understand… This life in Jesus is real.
In her final months, Esther shared her learning, teaching through quiet action, more of what love is; and personifying the words: “It’s not about what I get, it’s about what I give.” Esther’s humility, love, unmerited favor, forgiveness and understanding where among her greatest final gifts; freely given to others in the fashion of Jesus.
Esther was preceded in death by her father, John Irwin Hand. She is survived by her loving husband, Louis Fronkier, and their children: William, Nicholas, Benjamin, and Abigail.
She is also lovingly remembered by her mother, Patricia Hand; siblings: John David Hand, Seth Hand, Marti Hand (Bob Climko), Eric Hand, Sarah Mills, Nate Hand (Teresa Ann), Lydia Grace (Paul Ramey) and Rachel Bechtel (Brian); and Louis’ siblings: Jim Fronkier (Gayle) and Cindy Bowman.
A Picnic-Style Celebration of Life will take place from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on September 22, 2024, in the Pavilion of the Liberty Student Ministry Building, located behind Liberty Live Church, 1021 Big Bethel Rd, Hampton, VA. If possible, it is asked that attendees bring their own chairs/blankets. There will be seating provided for those unable to do so.
