Ishpeming- Esther D. "Babu" Hodge, age 90, lifelong Ishpeming resident, passed away on Sunday September 17, 2023 at UP Health System- Bell while in the loving care of her family and hospital staff.

Esther was born in Republic on August 10, 1933, daughter of the late Stephen and Linda (Jarvella) Valenzio. She grew up in Republic and graduated from Ishpeming High School with her GED. Esther had worked at the Gossard Building, and Wylie and Loans in Ishpeming for many years.

Esther was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church. She was a doting mother of five who enjoyed cooking, baking, wood working, doing crossword puzzles daily, and was an excellent musician who loved to create music with her grandchildren.

Esther is survived by her 5 children- Susan (Kevin) Paveglio, Christine (Christopher) Crucitt, Pamela (Gordon) Argall, Thomas (Kelly) Hodge, Jon (Jane) Hodge, 12 grandchildren- Angela, Marie, Patrick, Stephen, Ryan, Cheri, Jillian, Rebecca, Lindsay, Christina, Thomas, Tommy, along with numerous great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband of 67 years- Thomas J. Hodge, 8 siblings- Margaret "Marga" Palomaki, Jeanne Rautio, Kenneth Valenzio, Donald Valenzio, Nancy Valenzio, Marilyn Tibbs, Joan Larson, and Ruth Paquette.

Following Esther's wishes, cremation will take place with graveside services to take place at the Ishpeming Cemetery in the summer of 2024.

Esther's obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.