Esther Seferian of Winchester and Chilmark died Saturday, August 22 at the Sawtelle Family Hospice House in Reading after a long struggle with pulmonary fibrosis. She was 89.

Born in Boston on Dec. 3, 1925, she grew up in Rhode Island and graduated from Wheaton College in Norton in 1947. Following that, she worked as a writer and editor for several newspapers and magazines. She also worked with the Armenian community in Providence through the International Institute there. After her marriage she moved to Winchester, where she was active in the Winchester Garden Club and the Winchester En Ka Society, serving as president of both organizations. She was a member of the Winchester Scholarship Committee for three years and served as chairwoman during her last year there. She served as a town meeting member for many terms and was on the board of Winchester Mount Vernon House as well. She lived at Mount Vernon House as a resident from 2012 to 2015.

Esther’s interest in natural history, both with Winchester Trails and on Martha’s Vineyard where she had a home, led to her authorship of The Long Pond and Smith Pond Nature Trails Guide. An accomplished writer, she also wrote many articles and promotional materials to help raise funds for the original Jenks Senior Center.

Esther had a lifelong interest in music and subscribed to the Boston Symphony Orchestra as well as supported the Winchester Music School and many other musical organizations. She was involved in the Opera Company of Boston in its heyday, and sang for many years with the Masterworks Chorale and the First Congregational Church choir.

She leaves her daughter Gwen Bainier, son-in-law Yves Bainier and grandson Alexander Bainier all of Osterville; her son Ralph Seferian and daughter-in-law Cindy Seferian of Austin, Texas; grandchildren Rebecca, Sam and Peter Seferian; and her beloved sister Nancy Keeler of Cambridge, as well as many nieces and nephews.

The funeral service was held at the First Congregational Church in Winchester on Saturday, August 29th. Interment was private.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to the American Lung Association. To share a memory or condolence go to: www.lanefuneral.com.