Message From Sharon B. Young, Marine Issues Field Director For the HSUS

I can’t tell you what knowing Esther Nowell has meant to me. Over 20 years ago, she was responsible for bringingme from Cape Cod to do programs about wildlife in the Wakefield Schools at the fifth grade level. Her passion for animals was well known to the teachers and she wanted to assure that both the public school students and the students from St. Joseph’s could be exposed to the series of 5 programs I presented about humane treatment and attitudes about wildlife around us.

Each year for the more than 15 years that I came to Wakefield, we had lunch together at least one of the days I was in Wakefield and she caught me up on the work she had been doing at the statehouse advocating for animal protective legislation. And Esther was always interested in my own fieldwork and advocacy. I heard about her daughter and granddaughter and others of her family and she was delighted when I started my own.
When I left the nature center for which I had been working when I first started coming to Wakefield, she was thrilled for me to find a job with The Humane Society of the United States.

She was always SO encouraging and generous with helpful advice gleaned from her own experiences and expertise in advocating for animals.

Each of us hopes, I think, to have our lives matter. Esther’s life both changed and saved countless lives and the world is a much better place for her having stood up and been a voice for the voiceless. Esther’s energy and devotion to animals was inspiring. As I now approach my 60’s I think of her as a model for us all: practice and teach compassion, mentor others who can help, never abandon your passions and let your life stand as a testament to the things that matter. The world and her family have lost a remarkable person. Please pass along my sincerest sympathy to her family.

Regards,

Sharon Young

Message From Christina Tomasic, PAWS Volunteer

I've only known Esther since becoming a PAWS volunteer in 2006. What a great lady.

My main memory of Esther will be her attendance at our annual meetings and events, such as the Volunteer Appreciation party last February. She brought her joke cards to each event and always shared some jokes with us, to make us all smile. (This is much needed when you are in cat rescue.)

She had an incredibly strong spirit and remained so interested in and supportive of all of PAWS activities, I know many in the group will miss her presence very much.



Christina Tomasic

PAWS Volunteer Coordinator

Message From Helen Paolini, Northeast Business Printers

In January of 1985, my husband & I opened a printing company on Albion St. in Wakefield. We didn’t know anyone in town, as we just moved from California. On this particular day, it was very cold and snow and ice was on theground and the heat in our store malfunctioned and I was left in the cold. (My husband was calling on customers.) It was brutally cold and I was dressed in a blouse and slacks and literally shivering. Well, in comes this lady (whom I had never met) and she said "Heavens!! You’re freezing! Where’s your sweater?" I answered “I didn’t have one”. The lady replied “I’ll be right back” and off she went. She walked 2 blocks to her car, took out HER sweater, and brought it to me. “Put this on right now” she said. And I did. Here I was taking a sweater from a complete stranger who cared enough to help me. This kind lady was Esther Nowell. We remained close friends ever since and I will truly miss her.

Rocky and Helen Paolini

Message From Denise Serrecchia, PAWS Board Member

Esther is an inspiration to many with her generosity and kindness that she has demonstrated with the creation of PAWS. I will remember Esther as a strong and funny woman, and whose mission to help animals was an example of true kindness for all.

Denise Serrecchia

PAWS Board of Directors

Message From Sharlene Ford, PAWS Volunteer

I have only know Esther Nowell for a short time , but I am honored to have met her We shared a ride and a table at the recen Venetian Moon event. I am saddened by her loss, but inspired by her memory.

Sincere sympathy to family, friends (human, canine, and feline).

Sharlene Ford

PAWS Response Line Volunteer

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