Esther R. Freitas died in her home in Vineyard Haven on Dec. 29, 2008. She was 76. Born on Martha’s Vineyard on Feb. 26, 1932, she was the daughter of the late Ruth Tilton Olsen and John P. Olsen Sr., and the granddaughter of Zebulon Tilton and Edith Mayhew. She was the widow of the late Lewis R. Freitas.

She is remembered as a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Esther was active in many organizations. She and her friend Anna Duarte traveled to many places. She was a member of the Degree of Pocahontas Wampanoag Council, #15 Wareham, MA. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, VFW Ladies Auxiliary, The West Tisbury Grange, Tisbury Police School crossing guard, and a home health aide for Community Services Visiting Nurses.

She was an active member of the Lambert’s Cove Christian Church.

Esther lost a son, Lewis James Freitas, her brother, John P. Olsen Jr. and his wife, Debbie Olsen, and nephew John P. Olsen 3rd.

Esther is survived by two daughters, Margaret C. Chambers of Edgartown and Diane P. Freitas of Bisbee, Ariz. She leaves behind six grandchildren; Ronald K. Chambers Jr. of Pontiac, Mo., Margaret R. Chambers of Edgartown, Christine D. Clayburn of Morehead City, N.C., Christopher R. Chambers of Vineyard Haven, James L. Chambers of Edgartown, and Erica J. Scott of Columbus, Ohio. She is also survived by a brother, Richard T. Olsen and his wife, Lydia of West Tisbury. Also seven great-grandchildren.

A graveside service was held Friday, Jan. 2 at 2 p.m. at the Oak Grove Cemetery in Vineyard Haven with the Rev. George Eli officiating.

Donations in Esther’s memory may be made to the American Legion Post Auxiliary 257, P.O. Box 257, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568.