Esther's mother Anna was emotionally unstable, suffering
from "spells" in which she screamed and several times tried to commit
suicide. Anna's sister Nora was a great help during these episodes and
actually moved in with Anna and Esther when Anna separated from Alva Bacon,
Esther's father. Anna died of tuberculosis two years before Esther
sailed for Liberia. Esther lived with Nora during those two years.