Esther Piechowski
 
I should not admit that I ever knew this Honey Queen as she cost me and my
friends thousands of dollars by infecting us with her enthusiasm for a
National Honey Queen program that lasted many years and that we all
supported with our hard earned cash in various ways, mostly strong arm, and
at benefit auctions for our own candidates and then the winners. (Then
there were the side bets and lottery.) God has received one good worker and
I know she will be surrounded by many other honey queens of past times.
Andy-
 
*found the below in the sci.agr.beekeeping news group*
 
On August 24th, 1998 beekeepers everywhere lost someone very dear, Esther
(Mrs.
 Henry)Piechowski died at the age of 80.
 
 Esther is remembered for many things.  She was an avid member of the American
 Beekeeping Federation and the Wisconsin Honey Producers Association.  In the
 early 1950's they(her and Henry) brought the first Honey Queen to the
American
 Beekeeping federation convention, beginning the American Honey Queen Program.
 Esther also served as President of the American Beekeeping Federation
 Auxillary.  Together with family, they owned and operated a 2500-3000 hive
 "Henry's Honey Farm" until 1985 when the business was purchased by the John
 Piechowski Family.  In 1996, She and Henry were recognized by the Wisconsin
 Honey Producers Association with the Pioneer Award for their pioneering work
 with the winterization of colonies in the southern climate, honey queen
 program, and activity through her years of involvement in the industry.
 
 Esther is survived by her 12 children, 10 step sons and daughters, and 22
 grandchildren.