Frances Estes' Obituary
Frances Estes passed away peacefully early in the morning, March 25th, at City Hospital at White Rock Lake. The cause was injuries resulting from a series of falls. Her death came as a surprise to her family and many friends, because of her fitness – and ageless, vibrant personality. Further, Frances clearly rejected the concept of retirement, although she was years past the accepted age to slow down. She was known throughout the Metroplex as a professional oboist and English horn player, having played with the Fort Worth Symphony earlier in her career, and continued to perform at smaller venues until her death. She was married to Ed Estes, an equally talented professional musician, who passed away in 2005. Together, they were an ideally matched pair who brought thousands into their world through music and teaching. They were beloved.
In addition to her music profession, Frances taught second grade for over thirty years at Caldwell Elementary in Garland while Ed was performing and directing bands at several other schools. Many, many, students, whose lives were touched by Ed and Frances over the years, stayed in touch. She was a member of Casa Emmanuel United Methodist Church and lived in the same home in Dallas for sixty-five years surrounded by neighbors who treated her as they would their own families – a relationship which she fully reciprocated.
Frances was mentored by Thomas Stacy of the New York Philharmonic orchestra and she participated for several decades in his professional English horn seminar. Frances was an avid chamber music performer who collaborated with many fine musician friends. Three groups of lengthy association are The Dallas Arts District Ensemble, The Dallas Camerata Woodwind Quintet, and the Les Amis Chamber Ensemble. Professional Music Associations are Mu Phi Epsilon International Music Fraternity, the Musical Arts Club, and Pro Musica. As a church musician she contributed to the services of many congregations and most often at St. Joseph's Catholic Church.
France Halstead was born in Ft. Worth, Texas, and was raised predominantly in Cisco by her grandparents whom she called “Mommy and Daddo.” She was a graduate of Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, where she met Ed. The pair lived the remainder of their lives in Dallas, pursuing their four careers as musicians and teachers, active in their community and church, and frequenting the theater and classical music world. A happy life.
Frances is survived by her cousin, Celia Cameron of Ennis, cousins Trish Yeates, Jan Staffileno, Linda Barclay Newton, Winston Lewis Barclay, a nephew, Dick Estes, and a niece, Elizabeth Estes Baldwin, their families, and a wide circle of friends. She recently lost her two housemates, which she would have wanted to mention, cats Angel and Pasha.
Frances lived and demonstrated a philosophy which she passed on frequently to others, G P S:
G – Gratitude. Realize all that you have to be grateful for and show it.
P – Present Moment. Stay in the present moment, not dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.
S – Stillness and Smile. Stay quiet while realizing smiles are contagious.
A memorial service will be held for this remarkable and ageless woman at Christ Lutheran Church, 3001 Lovers Lane, at 2 PM on April 12th. Please park and enter on the Dublin Street side. There will be no graveside service. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the charity of your choice, Operation Kindness, Musical Arts Club Scholarship Fund, or to Cat Partners at Southwestern University
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