Ms. (Margaret) Esther Aylward, aged 66, passed away in hospital with family by her side on February 21, 2025. Esther was born on July 23, 1958 in Port Arthur, Ontario and spent most of her years around rural Thunder Bay with some time in British Columbia and Alberta, chasing good weather and horse culture. Known for her love of family and friends, horses and the outdoors, she will be dearly missed. Esther was a positive force who loved to help others but also enjoyed some good old fashioned mischief such as: starting a food fight, scaring you, or a sneak water-balloon attack. To know her is to know that her lifelong passion was all things horse related. Now we hope she is riding in warm, green pastures. She is survived by partner Victor Schaaf (and family); daughters Mandy Wirta and Kristy Mair (Ross); mother Rita Chaboyer; siblings Stanley Aylward (Kandy), Colleen Kjellman (Kaarlo), and Melanie Couture (Phil); loving cousins, nieces, nephews, step family; and “Miss Lola” her faithful side-kick chihuahua. Predeceased by father Gordan Aylward. A celebration of life will be held on Friday, February 28, 2025 from 3 pm - 7 pm at the Best Western Nor’Westor Hotel and Conference Centre at 2080 Highway 61, Thunder Bay, Ontario.
We are grateful for the support of the exceptional doctors, nurses, and staff of Thunder Bay Regional Hospital, Bayshore Home HealthCare and other Ontario Health teams.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpler Times Cremation Centre, 575 Central Avenue, Thunder Bay.
