Appeal gets mourners to funeral of Esther, 106

Its religious director, Rev Keith Rosen, told staff who escorted the hearse away from Heathlands that “although the record books may say Esther had no children, in reality you were all her children. You looked after her when she was in need.”

Fed CEO Mark Cunningham said “Esther was a remarkable woman and someone we were all incredibly fond of. Having lived a life as full as hers to such a great age, we had to ensure her final journey was fitting and proper. As she had no family, we had to make sure a minyan would be present for her.

“I am so thankful to the community members who played their part, with around 45 people joining us to honour her memory.”

Ms MacDonald recalled her aunt as a “lovely, vibrant woman. She was a bookkeeper and business manager and worked into her 50s. She took a keen interest in politics and tennis and was also a formidable bridge player.

“She travelled extensively to Europe, Asia, Australia and twice to Canada to spend time with my family — which I reciprocated when I visited her at Heathlands Village several times on her birthday.”