1896-1989
Esther was the first woman secretary of the Newark Civil Defense Council and first woman to be named a judge, as a police judge, in Essex County.
Esther organized the first eight chapters of B’nai B’rith. She was active on behalf of United Jewish Appeal and lifetime member of the Newark Beth Isreal Women’s Auxiliary. She was President for three terms of the Newark Business and Professional Women’s Club.
Through 1944, Esther taught special education in Newark (Binet). She was the first woman President of the Newark Physical Education Association and first president and organizer of the Cerebral Palsy League of NJ.
As secretary of the Newark Civic Defense Council from 1953-1962, she gained international recognition and was involved with works produced for radio and TV.
She said, “Doing worthwhile things for others is a tonic. Then you don’t have any time to sit around and feel sorry for yourself and grow old and lonely and bitter.” She was reportedly active in 51 organizations. She was honored many times for her work for various groups.
Upon her death the Ledger called her “first lady of Essex”.
Esther was born Esther Kawolsky in Pittsburgh and moved to Newark around 1920. The field at Weequahic High is named after the family.
After her husbands death in 1944, she lived in hotels around Newark for many years.
Bibliography
“To Fete B’nai B’rith Leader in Diamond, Golden Jubilee” New Jersey Jewish News Dec 25, 1970
Robinson, Lauren. “Esther K Untermann, 93, First Lady of Essex”, Star Ledger Feb 13, 1989.
U-17 Untermann Esther, Newark News Morgue, Newark Public Library
Novellino, Tex “Secretary Appointed for Defense Council” Star Ledger Aug 25, 1953
Census records
Smith, Helen C. “Way Up with the Organizations Star Ledger Mar 18, 1971