Esther French Tibbitts, 92, of Newtown died on October 13 at Danbury Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. She was born September 18, 1924, in Bristol, the daughter of the late Hattie and Edgar   French. She grew up in Bristol, then moved several times before settling in Newtown in 1963.

While growing up in Bristol, she met and was united in marriage to the love of her life, George D. Tibbitts on May 28, 1949. They were married for 59 years. He predeceased her October 31, 2008.

Mrs Tibbitts received her Bachelor of Music degree from Yale University in 1948. She was an accomplished pianist who taught piano to many students over her lifetime, sharing her joy and gift of music. She served as the organist/choir director at the Bethel Methodist Church for 15 years and enjoyed singing, playing, and sharing music with her family, friends, and those around her. Mrs Tibbitts was a talented musician who passed her gift and appreciation of music on to her children and grandchildren.

She was a longtime member of the Newtown Congregational Church where she enjoyed worshiping with her husband and family. She volunteered many years helping at the Cornerstone Thrift Center, sharing good times and hard work with her many friends at the center. She volunteered with the American Red Cross blood drives from 1976 to 1989 and served as the chairman of the Newtown Blood Program from 1984 to 1989. Esther received a Certificate of Appreciation from the American Red Cross Western Connecticut Chapter recognizing her years of service and leadership in April 1989. She and George were often seen working as a team diligently putting up and taking down signs announcing the local blood drives.

Family always came first. Mrs Tibbitts was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend. She cherished her family and found great happiness in sharing the outdoors with George when he went fishing, sitting quietly in their boat reading, enjoying the peacefulness of the lake, and being with the man she cared so deeply for; taking trips with the family to Lake George and Old Lyme Shores; cheering her children and grandchildren on at their sporting events and musical performances; and sharing in their academic achievements. She loved music, reading, singing, knitting, crossword puzzles, baking pies, making birthday cakes for her family, and spending time with her friends at the Newtown Congregational Church.

Later in her life, Mrs Tibbitts lovingly, with great emotional strength, tenderness, and patience, showed what love really meant as she took on the roll of wife, caregiver, friend, companion, and champion for  George as he struggled with dementia, providing him with undying love, support, and care.

Her children and their spouses, Bruce and Pam Tibbitts, Nancy and Robert Romeo, and  Donna and Bob Edwards; eight loving grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews survive her.

In addition to her husband, her sisters Myrle Mitchell and Virginia Wall, and brother William French predeceased her.

The family is grateful for the support, care, and compassion of the many doctors, care providers, and friends who cared for and shared in Mrs Tibbitts' life.

A memorial service will be held at 11 am on Saturday, October 29, at the Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West Street.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory can be made to the Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West Street, Newtown CT 06470; Danbury Hospital, 24 Hospital Avenue Danbury CT 06810; or the charity of one's choice.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown. Burial will be private.