Esther Franzblau Sawilowsky

Esther Franzblau Sawilowsky, 90, passed away peacefully at her home on February 15, 2022, surrounded by her beloved family. Esther, a loving, generous and empathetic person was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Her family was always foremost in her mind and heart. As a young child, Esther and her parents, Nathan and Nettie Franzblau and older brother Arnold, left Ozone Park, NY, and moved south. After meeting some Jewish merchants, they finally settled in the town of Aiken, SC, where her father said, “It felt like home.” As a child, Esther loved climbing trees and camping trips with her cousins and horseback riding. Ever stylish, she was voted best dressed in her high school graduating class. She attended the University of Georgia, studying Interior Design, before meeting the love of her life, Milton Sawilowsky, a dashing Merchant Marine. They were happily married in 1950, and remained together 53 years until Milton’s passing in 2003. Esther and Milton worked together in the family-owned Franzblau’s Hardware store, along with her parents, Nathan and Nettie Franzblau. Esther also assisted her mother who established a retail clothing store in Aiken. She later joined Belk’s for many years as a buyer for children’s clothing and menswear. She was a respected business woman with extensive retail experience. Esther was an esteemed member of the Aiken Jewish Community and was an active member of Adath Yeshurun Synagogue, where she served as Sisterhood President. She was also a lifetime member of Hadassah. She enjoyed her garden club and cake baking. When Esther retired from Belk’s, she and Milton moved to Atlanta, GA to be closer to family. In her later years, she genuinely enjoyed teaching friends to play Mah Jongg and Canasta at the local Senior Center. Esther absolutely loved dogs, and you would often find one curled up on her lap in the evening. Esther’s family was always her first priority and was her greatest joy. Esther is survived by her loving children: Susan Pelteson (Dr. Howard), Renee Bloch (Harry) and David Sawilowsky (Helaine); grandchildren: Ben Pelteson, Leah Pelteson Bernath, Lauren Peress (Seth), Brian Bloch, Saul Sawilowsky, Ross Sawilowsky; great grandchildren: Stella Bernath, Charley Bernath, Lylah Peress, and Abram Peress. A graveside service will be held on Thursday, February 17, 2022 at 2:00 PM at Sons of Israel cemetery in Aiken, SC. Memorial contributions in Esther’s memory may be made in the form of donations to the Adath Yeshurun Synagogue in Aiken, SC at: http://www.adathyeshurunofaiken.org Esther’s online guest book may be signed by visiting www.shellhousefuneralhome.com SHELLHOUSE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 924 HAYNE AVE., AIKEN, SC To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Esther Franzblau Sawilowsky, please visit our flower store.