Esther L. Filkin, age 96, a resident of Windsor Park Manor in Carol Stream, died Friday, October 12, at Windsor's Johnson Healthcare Center. She was born May 19, 1911 in Ottumwa, IA.

Esther was raised in Chicago, but moved to Los Angeles as a young adult. She owned a clothing design shop in California and among her customers were numerous Hollywood celebrities.

Playing the flute was Esther's lifelong passion. She played her first solo at age five and her last 10 days before she died. She was also skilled at cooking. She returned to Illinois to care for her father, Andrew Wyzenbeek, in the early 1980s. During this time she had become active at Moody Church in Chicago. She married W. Warren Filkin, Jr. in 1982. They enjoyed presenting flute and magic programs together in their retirement. She lived in Wheaton for twenty-one years.

She is survived by her daughter, Priscilla White; five step-children, June Filkin Taylor, Walter W. (Kaye) Filkin, David L. (Nancy) Filkin, Phyllis Filkin (Scott) Lorenz, Kathryn Filkin (Charles) Cardwell; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, W. Warren Filkin, Jr.; her parents, Andrew and Sarah Wyzenbeek; and all of her siblings.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 16, from 10:00 A.M. until the time of a service at 11:00 A.M. at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St., in Wheaton. Interment will follow at Wheaton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be directed to Greater Europe Mission, 18950 Base Camp Rd, Monument, CO 80132; or to Moody Church, 1609 N. LaSalle, Chicago, IL 60614.