Esther Martinez-Ziemba, 73 of Kenosha, WI, passed away at home surrounded by her six children on June 13, 2024 after a courageous battle with Ovarian Cancer.
Esther was born in San Antonio, TX in 1950 to Andres and Margarita Martinez. In the early 70’s, she moved to Lake County, IL and began what would be her lifelong career with Abbott Laboratories. Esther worked hard, raised her family, and went on to obtain her Master of Arts Degree in Human Resource Development in 1998. She retired from Abbott Laboratories in 2009 as the Manager of Employee Relations in Human Resources. Esther had also published multiple poems, something she was proud of but kept private. She loved music, dancing, reading, and family.
Esther is preceded in death by her father, Andres and granddaughter Morgan.
She is survived by her children Elizabeth (Jose) Cruz of Waukegan, IL, Catherine Carlsen of Kenosha, WI, Gil (Jen) Chavez of Round Lake Beach, IL, Michelle McPherson of Mount Pleasant, WI, Melissa (David) Ziemba-Swanson of Winthrop Harbor, IL, and John (Amanda) Ziemba Jr of Trevor, WI. Esther is also survived by 18 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, her mother, five sisters, one brother, a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family.
A private Celebration of Life is planned. Memorial donations to St. Jude Children Research Hospital may be made in Esther’s name.
