ESTHER HOLDER GEMMILL

Esther Holder Gemmill, 88, of Lancaster died at Homestead Village Sunday morning, September 25, 2011. Born in Lancaster, she was the daughter of the late Clair W. and Sarah Hummel Good. She leaves her husband Lewis T. Gemmill with whom she celebrated six years of marriage. She was married to Grover C. “Bud” Holder for 58 years who died December 30, 2002. She graduated from J.P. McCaskey High School in 1939 and Drexel University in 1943. Esther was co-owner of Holder Advertising Company along with her life-time friend Betty Coursin. A pioneer of her time in business and politics, she was an alternate delegate to the 1952 Republican Convention, she spent two terms as Lancaster County Treasurer, was a Lancaster Commissioner on the Council of Aging, and was the Judge of Elections for Lancaster Township’s Republican Party. She was a Board Member for the following organizations: Economic Development Corporation, Teachers Mutual, Inter-County Health Insurance and National Bearings Company. She was a long time advocate for Women’s Rights. Esther attended St James Episcopal Church. She was a former member of the Lancaster Country Club and the Hamilton Club. A Life Master in Bridge, she loved Golf, Bridge, summers in Stone Harbor, and traveling. She had a great sense of humor. In addition to her husband Lewis of Lancaster, Esther is survived by her daughter, Patricia wife of Harry Lowe of Easton, MD, Step-son Wayne husband of Betsy Gemmill of Timonium, MD, Step-son Thomas husband of Valerie Gemmill of Lancaster, Step-daughter Marilyn Gerriets of Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Step-daughter-in-law Melinda Gemmill of Cumberland, MD and Step-son-in-law William Lamont of Dingmans Ferry, PA. Also surviving are three Grand-children Katherine Lowe of Stone Harbor, NJ, Matthew and William Lowe of Darnestown, MD and one Great-grand-child Elijah Mabe. Services for Esther will be private and at the convenience of her family. Interment will be private in Millersville Mennonite Cemetery. Memorials may be made in Esther’s name to The Humane League of Lancaster County, 2195 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, PA 17602 OR Carol Jean Cancer Foundation, Inc., 10718 Cleos Court, Columbia, MD 21044 which runs a camp for children seriously ill with Cancer.