Esther Masih

Our beloved mother and wife, Esther W Masih, went to be with the Lord on the evening of January 4th 2021 surrounded by her loving family at the age of 71. Esther passed away peacefully after experiencing complications of COVID-19 at Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas, TX.

Esther was born in Koharianwali; Punjab, India on December 14, 1949 to Kirpal and Taro Masih. Her father called her "my tara" (star), and she grew up surrounded by her 5 siblings and cousins. Esther was known to be a natural caregiver; being the 2nd eldest she had a close relationship with her family who describe her as patient, compassionate, intelligent, easy-going, and funny. Although throughout most of her adult life she was separated by an ocean from her immediate family, she always found a way to experience all the big moments in life, whether happy or sad, with them.

Esther attended The United Christian School Jullundur City in India and graduated with the equivalent of her associates degree in 1966. She went on to complete her nursing education at Christian Medical College (CMC) in Ludhiana, India. She graduated with her nursing degree in September 1970 and went on to complete further training in nursing management. Esther knew the importance of education and felt a strong sense of responsibility to help her family. After she started working, she helped support her younger siblings as they pursued their education in India.

Her early career was spent working as a nursing manager in CMC Hospital on the Chest/Neuro Trauma unit. This is where she first met her future husband, Wilson Masih, who was working as a new nurse under her supervision. After Wilson expressed interest, the marriage match was facilitated by a family friend and the couple were happily married November 22, 1976 and would later have 3 children- Vipon, Mona, and Sarah.

In 1982, the young family decided to move to the United States. Wilson moved first to make arrangements, and a few months later, in December 1982, Esther made her way with her 2 children at the time, Vipon and Mona. The family settled close to friends in Garland, Texas. Esther passed her RN board exam in 1983 and worked at Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas until 1990, after which she worked at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Dallas, TX until she retired in 2001. At work, Esther was known to be a natural leader who was a conscientious, hardworking, and thoughtful bedside nurse and charge nurse.

Throughout her entire life, she held an unwavering faith in God, which she shared with those who surrounded her. She felt honor and a great responsibility as the Pastor's wife and was able to mentor and pour into many people over the years. She volunteered at church as a Sunday School teacher, women's group leader, and most recently leader of the Food Committee. She never stopped learning and completed her Bible Training for Christian Leaders course (10 courses) in 2014.

Esther will be remembered for her contagiously warm smile and laugh, her steadfast faith, and her gentle spirit. She spent her time gardening, cooking for her family, exercising and playing with her grandchildren. She cherished the time spent and the memories made during weekly family meals. She believed in putting her family's needs first and took every opportunity to celebrate life (the peaks and the valleys) with her husband and children. Every morning, she would spend time in the Word and instilled this same love of the Bible in her children. Throughout her life and even in her last days in the hospital, she reiterated the importance of maintaining relationships, giving to others without expectations, and (most importantly) living a life of integrity and kindness.

Esther joins her son Vipon, mother, and father in Heaven. She is survived by her husband of 44 years, Wilson Masih; her 2 daughters, Mona Downs and Sarah Masih; and her 2 grandchildren, Lily Downs and Luke Downs; her siblings Joseph Masih, William Masih, Victor Masih, Franklin Masih, and Nirmal Masih; and multiple cousins, nephews and nieces. She maintained a very close relationships with her first cousins who she fondly called "her sister and brothers" - Shakuntala Masih (New York) and Peter and Daniel Masih (Canada). She will be greatly missed by all who knew her and had the pleasure of being truly known by her. She fought hard until the end and we will remember her for her strong will and fierce spirit.

Funeral Information:
Wednesday, January 13, 2021
Springcreek Church
2660 Beltline Rd
Garland, TX 75044

Viewing: 10am
Service: 11am

Burial:
Lakeview Cemetery

Memorial Fund:
https://everloved.com/life-of/esther-masih/