FARMINGTON — Esther Harnden, 81, of East Wilton, passed away on Tuesday, April 30, at Sandy River Center, where she had been a resident for the past year.

She was born on Nov. 23, 1931, in Farmington to Myron and Elsie Packard. She grew up in the towns of Phillips, Alfred and Dryden, attending schools in both Alfred and Wilton and graduating from Wilton Academy at the top of her class in 1949.

On May 6, 1950, she married Stanley Harnden from East Wilton, and they made their home on the Harnden family farm.

Esther was a devoted homemaker, wife and mother, raising nine children and helping out with many of the farm chores and activities. She was also a member of both the East Wilton Union Church and the Dryden Baptist Church, where she served as Sunday school teacher, vacation Bible school teacher, youth leader and choir member. She established the East Wilton Brownies and Girl Scout troops in the mid-1960s and became a leader of these for 15 years.

Esther also became a leader for the East Wilton Cub Scouts for a few years, while also volunteering in the Wilton schools. In addition, she was a make-up artist for the Old Crow Indian Band, while also serving as secretary and treasurer and the director’s wife for several years.

Her community involvement did not take away from her family and home time, however. She was a driving force behind the large family gardens, especially helping with the harvesting and canning. Applesauce, baked goods and biscuits were also in ample supply in her house. Chauffeuring children to and from school and community activities, hosting family and kid parties, as well as tending to her many flower gardens kept her plenty busy, as well.

She is survived by her sister, Dottie Minnich and her husband, Donald; a sister-in-law, Flossie Dere; and a brother-in-law, Harland Harnden. She is also survived by her nine children, Dawn Smith, Cher Leclair, Vickie Harnden, Deb Noyes, Heidi Beal, Nathan Harnden, Samuel Harnden, Robin Harnden and Jeanna Harnden. She also has 20 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.

Esther was predeceased by her husband, Stanley, who died in 2007.

Words of condolence and tribute may be shared with her family and friends on her tribute wall at www.wilesrc.com.