Emma Chester

Emma Constance Niedt Chester "Connie" passed away on Thursday evening, March 28, 2013 joining her husband of 55 years, John Gordon Chester. She was born August 20, 1928 to Constantine and Katharine Niedt in Trenton, NJ. Upon her graduation in 1946 from Hamilton High School in Trenton, NJ, she moved to Watsonville, CA where she worked as a switchboard operator for the Bell Telephone Company. In Watsonville she met and married the love of her life John Gordon Chester (of Astoria, OR) in 1949. They eventually moved to Salinas, CA where they raised their seven children. Connie was a Cub Scout Den Mother, Campfire Girl leader, served on the PTA at El Gabilan School and worked on the the Election Board for more than 30 years. She worked at Swenson & Silacci Flowers for more than 25 years. Connie also babysat for many Salinas families. Connie was direct, honest, ornery with a wonderful sense of humor, a biting tongue and the biggest heart. She loved Christmas and playing "Mrs. Claus" to her family and close friends. Connie was a charter member of Northminster Presbyterian Church where she sang in the choir, taught Sunday School and served as a Deacon. She loved animals and never was without a dog or a cat (if not both). She is survived by: Her brother Richard (Bettye) Niedt of Trenton, NJ and her children: Timothy Chester of Sacramento, Colleen Chester of Salinas, Kathleen (Ted) Holzwart of Salinas, David (Helen) Chester of Sacramento, Eileen (Ken) Goff of Mons Belgium, Arleen Chester of Vancouver, WA and Darleen Chester of Salinas. Her nine grandchildren Kort Holzwart, Kollin (Shelly) Holzwart, Rebekah Chester, Heather Chester, Mitchell Goff, Emma Chester, Konner Holzwart, Peter Chester and Iain Chester. Her beloved pets, Izze (aka Toto) her Cairn Terrier and Susie her cat. A Celebration of Connie's Life will be held on Saturday, June 22, 2013 11am at the Northminster Presbyterian Church 1315 E. Alvin Dr. Salinas, CA 93906. In Connie's Memory, donations may be made to the Northminster Presbyterian Church or the SPCA of Monterey County.