Former Boca Raton Deputy Mayor and long-time resident Esther Barber Dance passed away peacefully at home surrounded with love on May 31, 2026. Words cannot express our feelings of loss.

Esther Rachel Barber was born April 5, 1944, in Charleston, SC to Rachel Esther and Edward J. Barber.

After graduation from St. Andrews High School, she furthered her education at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC. With her BA degree in English in hand, she headed to Jacksonville, FL to teach. There she met the love of her life, James Herman Dance. They married and their life journey lasted 50 years and brought them to South Florida, settling in Boca Raton in 1970. Esther taught in the Palm Beach County school system until she ventured into the real estate business, which became her passion. She opened Select Properties in Boca Raton in 1974 and spent the rest of her years serving and supporting the people of this area.

Esther's accomplishments are many- an active member of the First United Methodist Church, active on the Board of Realtors, active in neighborhood development and city government. She served two terms on the Boca Raton

City Council in the 1990's her first term as Deputy Mayor. To graciously assist the newcomers, residents, and investors of Boca Raton was her major focus. In addition, Esther enjoyed her friends, reading, playing canasta, and planning in detail trips with her husband and sisters. She was fortunate to visit much of the world and lived with awe and beautiful memories.

Esther is survived by her sisters- Carole Barber Tiedeman and Diane Edna Barber, two nieces- Joy Barber Mischley and Lisa Barber Mischley, two nephews- Jay Wells Tiedeman (Leslie) and Clayton Edward Tiedeman (Jocie), two grandnieces- Sara Elizabeth Tiedeman and Clayton Elizabeth Tiedeman, and three grandnephews-Andrew Walter Tiedeman, Jackson Wells; Tiedeman, and Wesley Edward Tiedeman.

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A memorial service to celebrate Esther's life will be held on Saturday, June 20,2026 at 11am in The First United Methodist Church at 625 NE Mizner Blvd, Boca Raton, FL 33432.

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In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in honor of Esther to The First United Church or charity of your choice.

Following her service, please join the family to celebrate her life at The Addison -2E Camino Real, Boca Raton. Valet parking will be available.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Esther B. Dance, please visit our floral store.