Esther Yellam

Esther Yellam passed away peacefully at her home in Long Beach, California, on April 15, 2026, at the age of 98.

Esther was born on November 10, 1927, in Renton, Washington, to Angelo and Jennie Bellinato. She was raised in Renton, where she spent her early years before marrying Robert F. Yellam. Together they made their home on Beacon Hill in Seattle and later moved to Mercer Island, where they raised their three children.

Esther was preceded in death by her daughter, Kathy MacDuff. She is survived by her daughter, Janet E. Lloyd of Portland, Oregon, and her son, Robert R. Yellam of Prescott, Arizona. She also leaves behind five grandchildren—Joey MacDuff, Gina MacDuff, Nicole Orr, Angela Lee, and Valerie Yellam—and eight great-grandchildren: Harper, Emery, Cooper, Hunter, Adelynn, Maxwell, Bennett, and Verena.

A devoted homemaker, Esther found joy in cooking, sewing, traveling, and dancing. She spent more than 50 years in Long Beach, where she was an active member of the Rossmoor Woman’s Club and volunteered for many years at the local Long Beach Community Hospital.

To honor her life, donations may be made to the Dementia Society of America or to Alzheimer’s disease research. A private family service will be held in Renton.

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