Esther Alexander Cenac passed away April 11, 2024. Her ascension into heaven was sudden but peaceful and into the loving arms of her husband, Caliste C. Cenac Jr., who preceded her in death in 2009. She is survived by her four children and their families. They were her life, and she cherished the phone calls, dinners, travels and so much more that she was able to enjoy with them. Her family includes her son, Christopher C. Cenac, of Reno, NV, his wife Deirdre, children Kathleen Cenac Hafiz, her husband Jimmy and children Meadow and Marie, Bridgette Ventimilla, her husband, Victor and son Victor, Nicole Cenac, and Allison Cenac; daughter, Theresa Cenac Abels, of Missouri City, TX, her husband Edward, their children: Kristin A. Brockler, husband Kevin and sons Benjamin and William, Elizabeth Abels and her partner Rohan Joshi, Jacob Abels, his wife Morgan and their children Jacob Jr. and Sadie; son Gregory P. Cenac, of Ocean Springs, MS., his wife Cecelia, children: Gregory Cenac Jr., Annette Van Horn, her husband, Peter; and her daughter, Marie J. Cenac “Dr C.”, of Estes Park, CO and her children Nathan and Lexi Richardson.

Esther was born January 16, 1935, in New Orleans, LA. to Aubrey M. Alexander and Mary James Alexander, both of New Orleans. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her siblings: Aubrey M. Alexander, Jr of Alexandria LA; her sister, Juliette Daviet of LaRose, LA; her brother, Albert Alexander of Metairie, LA; and her mother-in-law, Louise Ragas Cenac Bienvenu of Estes Park, CO.

Esther graduated from Dominican High School in New Orleans and obtained her BS degree in Bacteriology from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, LA. Later obtaining her Masters in Theology from Loyola University in New Orleans. In 1954, she met Caliste at LSU. They married in 1958 and their life together took them across the country making their home in Birmingham AL, Cincinnati OH, Denver CO, Houma LA, Houston TX, Metairie LA, and eventually retiring to Estes Park CO in 1994.

During their married life, Esther helped support their family as Religious Education Director at the Church of the Risen Christ Catholic Church in Denver, Religious Education Director at St. Dominics in New Orleans, and taught theology at Ursuline Academy High School in New Orleans. In addition to her devotion to sharing her religion she also loved history. She worked as a Certified Tour Guide for Greyline Tours in New Orleans and later served as docent for the Stanley Hotel Museum in Estes Park. She spent the last few years in New Orleans as an accomplished Realtor.

Upon retirement to Estes Park, she became an active member of the Estes Park community. In addition to being a docent, she was a greeter at the EP Visitor Center, an eucharistic minister at Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church and a speaker on the radio for Church of the Air. She enjoyed participating in Fine Arts Guild productions, later becoming a board member of the Fine Arts Guild of the Rockies. She was a member of the Newcomers Club, EP Garden Club, and traveled/ hosted with Rotary exchange groups. She was an active member of the EP Woman’s Club and the Columbines, holding many officer positions including president of both.

In addition to her civic participation, Esther was a member of various social clubs, including Grace and Grub, poker and mahjong groups and numerous bridge groups with her many friends in town. She especially enjoyed playing competitive bridge with her “bridge buddy” Ann Dinsmoor. Esther was proud to have obtained the rank of Life Master in bridge. Throughout her retirement years she traveled the world extensively. First with her husband and then later in life with her dear friend Lauren Wagner. She was very proud that she had been able to visit all 50 states and all 7 continents. Her other passion was cooking. She enjoyed sharing her recipes and family stories including those about her beloved dog, Sunshine, through her bi-weekly article “Cooking on High” in the EP News.

Her life will be celebrated with a mass on Monday April 29, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church in Estes Park Colorado. A small reception will be held immediately afterwards at the lower center of the church. Graveside services will be held in New Orleans, LA, on a later date.

Please visit allnuttestespark.com to leave condolences for the family.