Estelle Archer

Estelle Kathleen Archer

July 16, 1922 – October 4, 2019

Estelle Archer was born near Boston, Massachusetts in the town of Everett.  Her Mother was Mary Lillian (Davis) Landrigan, a housewife, and John W. Landrigan, a railroad inspector.  She had older two sisters, Mary and Martha, an older brother named John (Buddy) and a younger sister, Geraldine.
Soon after Estelle’s arrival, the family relocated to Houston primarily due to her Mother’s dislike of the cold, wet climate of New England.  Their first home was close to Almeda Road and they soon relocated to the house on Ralph Street where the family and ultimately her Mom resided for many years.
Young Estelle, also affectionately known as Stella, had interests in art, becoming a nurse, and evidently had many dates.  One who intrigued her was a young man who lived in Houston.  His name was Ripley Birmingham Archer.  He had been an engineering student at the University of Texas in Austin, but left school to join the Army Air Corp to become an aviator. They met during a local party and began dating. However, he was soon ordered to California for further aviation training.  The contact continued by telephone during the period when she was training in nursing school.  One day, he notified her that he was getting leave to come back to Houston and wanted to meet with her.  She agreed to meet and as soon as he got back, he asked to marry her.  She happily agreed and they drove to Bossier City where they were married.
After a very short honeymoon, pilot training was continued as the couple moved to Eglin Field in the Florida panhandle.  There the new wife gave birth to her first of eight children, Benjamin Ripley Archer.
Once World War 2 ended, Ripley and Estelle returned to Texas and began suburban life near Rip’s mother, Vera Inez Archer.  Her influence included providing a home on Mimosa Lane in Houston, about a mile and a half from her home on West Drew.  This house became the home for her seven additional children.  Suzanne(Suzy) was the second to arrive, followed by Thomas(Tommy), John(Jackie), Marian, Angela(Angie), David, and the youngest, Tina.  
The family remained at that Mimosa house until it was sold in the early 1970’s.  By that time Ripley and Estelle had divorced and Estelle moved into a nearby apartment.  She worked during that time for the Houston Independent School District, retiring in 1978.
A short time later she and her children purchased a spacious home for her in the Countryplace Townhomes near Tully Stadium, just off Interstate 10.  During her time here she was wonderfully cared for by her daughter Tina. After about 10 years of living there and no longer able to drive, she moved to Austin to live with Angela and her husband, Doug Bandy. The townhome was sold and the proceeds were used for her upkeep at the Bandy’s.
The Bandys and Estelle lived in Austin for about 6 years and then early in 2019 they moved Montgomery, Texas.  During this phase of Estelle’s life, her care was rotated between the Bandy’s and Tina. Estelle had a restful time at the Lake Conroe house, and enjoyed the access to water views, sunsets, and most particularly, the closeness of her large family.  She passed from this mortal plane on October 4th peacefully in her sleep.
Estelle was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Lillian Landrigan (nee Davis), her father John W. Landrigan, her sisters Mary Heizer, Martha Lingenfelder, brother John Landrigan, daughter Suzanne LouisTaylor, and son John Wayne Archer.  
Estelle is survived by her sister, Geraldine Sans, sons Benjamin Archer, Tom Archer and wife Donna Archer, David Archer and wife Barbara Archer, daughters Marian Bates and husband Billy Don Bates, Angela Bandy and husband Doug, and Tina Osburn.  She also is survived by 14 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.  All who have known Estelle have been influenced greatly by her indomitable spirit, perseverance, and love of God, life and her family.  

The following section of this Obituary will be devoted to remembrances of her family and friends.
 

Snapshot of our life at 2215 Mimosa Lane, Mid summer in the 1950’s: by Ben Archer

       It was very hot in our small, non air-conditioned 3 bedroom home. The only bathroom had a door that could not be locked but we all learned great patience. A huge attic fan whirred above and sent a slight but welcome breeze through every open door and window. Seven kids were starving for dinner and fighting as usual. Stella Archer (Saint Mom) was in her 30’s and was pregnant with her eighth child and final child Tina. She was lovingly preparing a gallon of her very common and very delicious hamburger stew meal and ignoring the continuous commotion happening around her. She had sent Benj to the store on his bike with $2 to buy 3lbs of hamburger meat and all the veggies for this meal. Our Mom was always patient, kind and usually had a beatific smile BUT if she got angry we knew we had better straighten up fast.
       We were very poor but had no idea that we were. But did get upset that we were the only ones around without a newly invented color TV. We got meager assistance from welfare and our beloved DeDe helped out a lot. Every week Mr Jones would bring us boxes of the leftover bread and cinnamon rolls from his job at A&P. Somehow Mom talked to the priests at St Anne’s and they let most of us attend school there without charge. Mom made sure were bathed, had a lunch and wore proper clothes for our classes with the nuns.
       Against all odds our wonderful Mom kept us together and each day inspired us to believe in God and ourselves. Despite the typical chaos, there was always an undeniable love in this family. Sadly, God called two of us along the way. But against all odds the rest of us have made it through our lives guided by the images of our loving Mom firmly implanted in our souls. Mom today we honor your strength in our times of need, your unfiltered love you always gave us and the one of a kind blessing you always recited for us at dinner. You will always remain an indelible part of our lives and of all whose lives you have touched. We will all miss you Mom