Esther M. Jepson, lifelong resident of Milton, 98 died on June 13, 2025.

Predeceased by husband, Robert L. Jepson; parents James F. and Esther J. Campbell; and brother, James F. Campbell, Jr.

Mother of Stephanie Foley and her husband Kenan of Duxbury; Robert Jepson, Jr. of Milton; Victoria Jepson of Bedford; grandmother of Haley.

Esther was born in Milton’s original hospital (then located near Cunningham Park). She and Robert were married in the original St Elizabeth’s church and remained longtime devoted members of the parish.

Esther’s interest in town activities was sparked at a young age by her father. During WW2, she joined him on aerial security watches and later held a weekend job at Milton Public Library, where she met her future husband, Robert.

After marriage, Esther was elected to the Town Meeting, serving 50 years, never missing a session.

In 1984, she was appointed to the Milton Historical Commission. Five years later as Chairperson, she accepted one of the state’s highest awards from the Massachusetts Historical Commission, for outstanding achievement in historical preservation. Under her leadership, the Milton Commission completed an inventory of all historic properties in the town, won Milton Centre a spot on the National List of Historic Places, and drafted a master plan for preserving Milton’s historic features, in eleven districts, including her own beloved home neighborhood, Scott’s Woods (Hillside Street). This, during an era of the town’s intense development.

Esther received Milton’s Town Club Award in 1990, Citizen of the Year Award for contributing years of volunteer time to the preservation of Milton’s historic past as well as its present and future.

Additionally, Esther served many years as a volunteer tour guide at Milton’s China Trade Museum, The Robert Bennett Forbes House.

At home, Esther worked as an administrator for husband Robert’s business, Metal Finishers, Inc.; she also took her turn caring for an array of family farm animals.

In her early years, Esther worked as a secretary at Boston’s Children’s Hospital and later, as a secretary at UMASS Amherst as husband, Robert, earned his Bachelor’s degree upon return from Navy service. They lived in “married student” housing and returned to Milton for the birth of their first child, Stephanie.

Esther was deeply loved during her 98 years. We are profoundly grateful for her healthy, independent and full life.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of the Visitation Parish - Saint Elizabeth Church on Friday, June 20th at 11:30AM. Visitation at the Dolan Funeral Home, 460 Granite Avenue, EAST MILTON SQUARE from 9:30-11:00AM. Interment at Milton Cemetery.