Esta M. Cheely

Esta Marie Cheely, age 99, passed away December 29, 2023, at Ramsey Village in Des Moines, Iowa

Esta was born May 3, 1924, in Des Moines, Iowa to John and Pauline (Kauzlarich) Tompores.

She enjoyed spending time with people, making them laugh and listening to their stories. She volunteered at local communities, reading to students and teaching them to read and write English. She hosted dinner parties at her home while listening to Spanish music and cooking Greek food. She was a scholar at heart; always willing to learn something new. She studied multiple languages and learned to speak fluent Spanish and Greek. Her love for travel led her to Spain with her best friend, Karla, where she was able to practice her Spanish and engulf herself in the culture. She enjoyed sewing to pass the time and made many sequined stockings for each of the special people in her life. Her favorite holiday was Christmas and she loved the color blue. Her granddaughter shared her love for sweets and often made her Spanish flan. She was a bookkeeper and later a nurse which carried down to her daughters and granddaughter. Her love for her Greek father surpassed all the love in the world; he was the love of her life.

She is survived by her two daughters; her granddaughter, Suzanne (Joe) Gleeson; and her four grandsons, Joe, Josh, Jess and Jon.

Esta was preceded in death by her parents John and Pauline Tompores; her sisters, Lenore and Eleanor; and her son, Larry Cheely.

There will be no formal services held at this time.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to the Iowa Department for the Blind.
https://blind.iowa.gov/

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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