Esther "Rusty" Herpe, 83, of Longwood, Florida, passed away Jan. 8, 2017.

She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Bob Herpe; daughters Debbie Schwartz (Howard) and Lori Bohnert (Kurt); grandchildren Erika Alter (Adam), Michael Schwartz (Krysta), Tari Bohnert, Sam Schwartz (Cass Rasnick); great-grandchild Axel Schwartz; nieces Narda Moscato, Rana Gorzeck and nephew, Dennis Margolis; and honorary daughter Susan Alexander.

She was preceded in death by her parents Jean Drexler Margolis and Harry Margolis and brother Arthur Margolis.

Born Jan. 24, 1933 in Philadelphia, Esther's copper-colored hair earned her the nickname Rusty.

As the legend goes, she met Bob, the love of her life, thanks to some old-fashioned matchmaking by her two aunts – one from Philadelphia and one from Chicago. After Rusty's graduation from West Philadelphia High School, a visit was arranged for the pair to meet in Chicago. It was love at first sight.

Their family grew, her daughters bringing four grandchildren whom she adored and spoiled rotten.

She kept countless photos of family and friends in all corners of her home, spending time in recent years admiring the newest additions to her family, including a grandson- and granddaughters-in-law, and her first great-grandchild.

A memorial service and celebration life will be held promptly at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 13, 2017, at One Senior Place, 715 Douglas Ave., Altamonte Springs, FL 32714.  Friends are invited to the Bohnert residence, 673 Longview Place, (located in Sabal Point sub-division), Longwood, FL 32779 immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to the Alzheimer's Association, www.alz.org.