Esther Ruth Machowski

Esther Ruth Machowski, 94, of James Island, SC, wife of LCDR Walter Joseph Machowski, USN (Ret.) entered into eternal Rest on on Thursday, May 14, 2026.

Her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:30 AM, Thursday, May 21, 2026, at Nativity Catholic Church, 1061 Folly Rd, Charleston. The Rite of Committal will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, 604 Ft. Johnson Rd. The family will receive friends between 5:00 and 7:00 PM, Wednesday evening, at the James A. McAlister Funeral Home. The Rosary will be recited at 6:30 PM.

Esther Ruth Fouche Machowski was born February 5, 1932, in Columbia, South Carolina, to John H Fouche and Martha Ruth Swygert Fouche. Esther met the love of her life, Walter Machowski, in 1949, and they were married August 25, 1951. After a month-long honeymoon along the Eastern Coast, they moved to Key West, Florida, where Walter shipped out for Naval deployment the day after they arrived. A strong, personable woman who loved being around others, Esther walked the island of Key West befriending people in both the church and the art community. It is here where she developed a love for watercolor painting, a talent which produced lasting treasures. It has long been said, the hardest job in the Navy is that of a Naval wife, and Esther served her role as "admiral of the household" well.

After Walter and Esther departed Key West, they relocated to various Naval assignments, including Spartanburg, SC, Honolulu, Hi, and Charleston, SC. Esther remained in South Carolina during Walter's deployments to Scotland and Spain in order to provide stability for their four children. She was passionate about serving others. As a member of the Navy Wives' organization, she supported families both on military bases and within the community. She faithfully volunteered at the Charleston Naval Hospital, and she was also an active member of Nativity Catholic Church and School, where she served as an officer of the Ladies Guild. She directed the Parish Lunch Program for the faculty of Bishop England High School, famous for her spaghetti and chicken salad.

A talented seamstress, she sewed and created new styles for the Sisters of Nativity School. An avid enjoyer of the water, she loved to fish and crab. As a member of the James Island Yacht Club, she served as an officer of the Ladies Auxiliary, working on events and supporting her children's activities. She loved to cross-stitch and paint, but most of all, she loved being a wife, mother, and grandmother. She lived by a motto of JOY: serve Jesus and Others before Yourself. She was devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary, praying the rosary, and her favorite song was Ava Maria.

Esther is survived by her husband of seventy-four years, Walter Machowski, her four children, Daniel Machowski (Liisa), Walter J. Machowski, Jr. (Sarah), Katherine Machowski Rawlins (Steve), and Jeanette Machowski and seven cherished grandchildren, Anne Marie Machowski, Walter Machowski, III, Michael Machowski, Ashley Rawlins, Mary Machowski, Steven Rawlins, Jr., and Katie Machowski. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and loyal friends.

In lieu of flowers, charitable donations may be made to the Church of The Nativity of James Island Building Fund or the organization of your choice.

Arrangements by James A. McAlister Funeral Home, Inc. (843) 766-1365.