Esther Gandham

Esther Gandham  

January 27, 1939 to January 12, 2023

Esther Gandham, age 83, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family at her residence in Rio Rancho, NM, USA on Thursday, January 12, 2023, at the age of 83. She was born in Hyderabad, India, and was the fifth child of Samson and Elizabeth Cigga. She had 5 brothers and 3 sisters. She grew up surrounded by her large family, extended families, and friends. She completed her high school at Stanley Girls High School, did her Bachelor's in Home science, and worked in the same school as a middle school science teacher. She married Gandham Vasanth Raj in 1966 and led a happy married life for 39 years till he went to be with the Lord in 2007. 

A woman who fears the Lord is great to be praised. 

Being very active in the community and a member of the Centenary Methodist Telugu Church in Hyderabad, Esther served the Lord as the president of women’s Christian ministry for several years and as a Sunday school teacher. She is remembered by all to be a God-fearing, strong, and independent woman.  She was loving, caring, and a beautiful soul who helped many people in the community without expecting anything in return. She was always motivated and positive, looking at the brighter side of life. She started her day with prayer, worship, and singing to the Lord, and led an exemplary life for her family and friends. 

She came to visit her children in January 2020 and stayed with them till her last breath. Esther is survived by her children, grandchildren, and extended family. Her surviving family includes 

Daughter & Son-in-law - Ethel Jestika & Karunakar Bhuthapati 

Son & Daughter-in-law - Rupendra Gandham  & Youshabella Cynthia

Grandchildren – Mark & Navya, Kevin, Ezekiel, and Olive 

Brothers – Isaac Cigga and David Cigga 

Sister – Grace Tallapally 

Co-sisters: Kusma Rogers, and Vijaya Mohan Raj.

Family and friends can gather for visitation and funeral services on Thursday, January 19, 2023, from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm followed by a Christian burial at 2:00 pm.

Join us for Reception at Celebration Baptist Church from 4:30 pm.

# 5620 Laredo Rd NE, Rio Rancho, NM 87144.

Arrangements are entrusted to the caring professionals of