Funeral Details

Naomi L. Esmon

June 30, 1948 - February 13, 2025

SERVICE INFORMATION

Date and Time

Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at 11:30 AM

Graveside

Jewish Oakridge Cemetery
4301 West Roosevelt Road
Hillside, Illinois 60162
Get Directions

Clergy

Rabbi Yehuda Meyers

Memorial Contributions

Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation
Department of Philanthropy
825 Northeast 13th Street
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104
www.omrf.org





OBITUARY

Naomi L. Esmon, PhD, 1948-2025, age 76.

Beloved wife of Charles (Chuck) Esmon, PhD. Dear daughter of the late Sidney and Sadie Block and sister of the late Robert Block. Treasured by many cousins and friends. Loyal friend to lab technicians Mei, Teresa, Gary, Barbara and Karen.

PhD in biochemistry and medical researcher who earned worldwide recognition for pioneering work in blood coagulation.

Graveside service Tuesday, 11:30AM at Jewish Oakridge Cemetery, 4301 West Roosevelt Road, Hillside, Illinois 60162. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Department of Philanthropy, 825 NE 13th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73104, www.omrf.org. To attend the funeral livestream, please visit our website. Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals - Skokie Chapel, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com.


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Naomi was a superb basic science researcher who was recognized worldwide. She was a valued and beloved member of the Meisel/Weinger families and will be greatly missed..

Ronald Weinger
February 16, 2025
I love Dr Chuck & Dr Naomi Esmon: I worked with both. Enjoyed both. I leaned a lot from both. I was probably their 1st Lab technician in the Old 0U Med Bldg on the corner of 13th Street in The OUHSC Complex. Gary Ferrell replaced me when I moved back to western Oklahoma to manage a dairy…! Naomi always called me “Sexy” . My face always turned red. We worked many nights purifying The Clotting Factors, Factor C and lots of assaying and calculating…lots of midnight Pizza @ Shotgun Pizza during our many lunches. Met May people I would call friends…Chuck’s Mom, Dr. Phil Comp, Dr. Flecker Taylor, Dr. Johanne Stenflo (of Protein C), Dr. Larry DeBault …Naomi protected me from alll of them…also Thunder & Lightning! Love You Naomi…

Paul Sexton
February 16, 2025
Naomi and Chuck were like family to me. Naomi was an amazing individual as well as a brilliant scientist and an amazing person. I will miss chatting with her. She and all the techs listed are like my family. I love all of them dearly.

Tommy Norton
February 16, 2025
I’m sorry for the loss of Naomi. She and Chuck have been my parent’s, Peggy and Don Mannings’ neighbors for many years.
All of us go back since the day they moved to Oklahoma City to work at OMRF..
Both Naomi and Chuck have brilliant minds and have offered so much to the research world. We all thank the two of them for the sacrifice for our medical field.
Chuck , I’m sorry of the passing of Naomi. You know we have always been here if you need anything.
Thank you for being a friend of our family for all these years.
Christy, Blake, Taylor,Rebekah Matt, Lawson, and Hendrix Lovelace , and Matt, Valerie , Harpur, and Whitley Hollingsworth.
We Love You! Your Texas Family!
Valerie

Christy Lovelace
February 16, 2025
Naomi was my sister from another mother. Sadie was my second mother and my mother Gladys was Naomi's second mother. I have known Naomi just about her entire life growing up together in Queens, NY. Even when we weren't together, I always knew that Naomi was there. It's so hard to believe that I won't be able to talk with her to hear about Fiji or another trip or her work anymore. I will miss her always but she will always be in my heart.

Dan Dubovsky
February 16, 2025
Naomi and Chuck I have known since they became graduate students at Washiington University in St. Louis. Although Naomi was not my graduate student, Chuck was my first graduate student and both, along with Whyte Owen, my first postdoc could be found in the lab at nights, including weekends playing bridge while monitoring a protein separation process that was near the final step of a week's prior work. Supportive from the beginning and throughout their marriage. Naomi and Chuck were together for more than 50 years, a period of successful collaboration in marriage and in their research.
Naomi was responsible for much of the success of their scientific collaboration, particularly when they began to address immunology questions, Naomi's expertise was in immunology, not Chuck's. An amusing anecdote that I recall is when both of them took the final exam in a course in physical biochemistry taught in the Chemistry Department. Naomi did better on the final exam, although Chuck claimed that he had been helping her the night before. I found this amusing, Chuck not so much!
What I also remember well is the hugs I received from Naomi whenever our paths crossed. Genuine warmth even many years later. Chuck was indeed fortunate and my sincerest condolences are an understatement of my feelings for Chuck's loss.

Craig Jackson
February 16, 2025
Naomi was my cousin through marriage, one of Stuart’s beloved first cousins who are more like siblings. Although she and Chuck were world renowned for their pioneering scientific research and accomplishments, she was totally unpretentious. Her warmth, genuine laugh and joie de vivre will remain with me always. Her devotion to Aunt Sadie served as an example for all of us in the sacred Jewish commandment of kibbud av v’am, honoring your mother and father. We will miss her regular visits to Chicago and we will miss her terribly. Condolences to Chuck and her many friends and colleagues who were like family to her and Chuck.

Regine Meisel
February 17, 2025
Naomi was a force of nature. She was a great story teller, had a sharp mind and a great sense of humor. She cared a lot about science and the people that she associated with, especially Chuck.

Our deepest condolences to Chuck during this sad time.

Best wishes,
Sathish and Xin

Sathish Srinivasan
February 17, 2025
Ho un grande ricordo di Naomi.
Le mie condoglianze e un grande abbraccio a Chuck

Luciano Crippa
February 17, 2025
Naomi was a mentor, colleague and a friend to me at Oklahoma Medical Research foundation. I have known Naomi since 1989 when I started a postdoctoral fellowship in Esmons’ laboratory. Naomi was an expert in a vital molecule circulating in blood, called Protein C. Naomi taught me everything she knew about protein C that paved the path to my success in establishing my own laboratory studying this molecule that is still ongoing. Naomi and I were good friends and never lost communication during the 36 years that we knew each other. Naomi, Chuck, and I had unforgettable adventures during this time (traveling, skiing, dining) that will remain cherished memories with me all my life. I will miss Naomi a lot and express my sincere condolences to Chuck and all her family and friends.

Ray Rezaie

Ray Rezaie
February 17, 2025
I spent time in the lab with Naomi and time outside the lab, with friends and dogs. I have missed our chats since I went back to Italy. I remember trips to the lake and a good laugh. I will miss her even more. Love to you and Chuck

Elena Faioni
February 17, 2025
I have known Naomi since 1995 when I started as an HHMI postdoc fellow in Chuck’s lab. Naomi and Chuck were experts in discovering Protein C circulating in blood and its interaction with its receptors on endothelium and thrombomodulin anticoagulant pathway. Their groundbreaking work has significantly advanced our understanding of coagulation biology.
Naomi, along with Chuck, taught me invaluable lessons in troubleshooting and initiating new research projects. Their curiosity and innovative ideas were always inspiring me, and they were both pioneers in their field. Together, they paved the way for translating basic research into clinical applications, ultimately benefiting countless patients.
Naomi and Chuck were not only brilliant scientists but also great storytellers who deeply cared about science and the people who worked in their lab. Their mentorship and support created a nurturing environment that fostered growth and collaboration. Lab members, including myself, will always cherish the memories and the impact they had on our lives.
I will miss Naomi greatly and express my sincere condolences to Chuck, her family, and friends. Her legacy will continue to inspire us all.

Jimmy Gu
February 17, 2025
Naomi was a cherish neighbor in our neighborhood, sending up blessings. God’s blessings to her husband and family.

Zenephon & Jessica Warrior Jr
February 17, 2025
Naomi has been a wonderful neighbor and fellow Board Member who was always proactive and positive about our neighborhood and community. She will be greatly missed and we will be their for Chuck and the family in this time of need.

Cartelyou Edwards
February 17, 2025
We are deeply saddened to hear of Naomi’s passing. Chuck, please accept our heartfelt condolences during this difficult time.

We had the privilege of working alongside you and Naomi for over 15 years, and we will always remember her dedication, warmth, and the kindness she extended to everyone around her. Whether it was her steady guidance, quick wit, or the way she made even the most challenging days a little brighter, she left a lasting impact on all of us who had the honor of calling her a colleague and friend.

We hope that Chuck will find comfort in the many wonderful memories they shared together.

Rest in peace, Naomi!

Cristina and Florea Lupu

Florea and Cristina Lupu
February 17, 2025
I didn’t see her very often but she always had a smile

Meg Reed
February 17, 2025
I can still see her in the lab and hear her Words : “I have no data, but i think that……” and she was usually write.
The time I spent in Oklahoma ( 1984-1985) , working with her beloved husband, Chuck Edmon, in a bank closed to her bank , was really a great time ! Lot of work, lot of fun with them.
Thank you Naomi ! Sleepe in piece. I will never forget of you.
Chuck, I’ m closed to you! I know how much you loved her.
Take care of you

Silvana Vigano’
February 18, 2025
I for one will truly miss Naomi who welcomed me to our neighborhood from the start and continued her friendliness throughout our neighborly friendship. She was also an inspiration for folks like me. Her morning walks with her infamous white labrador retriever inspired me to include wellness in my daily activities as well. Wishing God’s peace to her family, she will truly be missed.

Tony Bass
February 18, 2025
Naomi and I were roommates in college. We enthusiastically shared info from our classes, from English literature to microbiology. We were lifelong friends and I will miss her always.

Katie eddleston
February 18, 2025
I had the privilege to work with Chuck and Naomi for one year, in 2000, in the Esmonds' lab and it was a wonderful year in the lab, but also out of the lab, being both passionate gardeners and dog lovers. Naomi had always a smile and a witty remark, that made the day joyful. Thank you once again to Naomi and Chuck.

Eugenia Biguzzi
February 18, 2025
Missing Naomi so much already! Much love and many prayers.
Carol

Carol Webb
February 18, 2025
Good-bye great lady. I am sure that Armando will share your company up there. I recall every time with you and Chuck at our International Winter Meetings in Italian mountains.
I feel very close.

Franco Piovella
February 18, 2025
Naomi and Chuck were mentors and friends. Naomi's warmth, humor, and intellect made her a favorite consultant. She was always supportive and sought the best in everyone. She will be sorely missed.

Jeffrey Weitz
February 18, 2025
Naomi, you have left a hole in my heart. Am sure you are the one responsible for the yiddish phrases coming out of my mouth so often that I have been asked if I am Jewish. We were best friends in high school and freshman year roommates in college. They were such important years that shaped who we were to become and I will always have fond memories of our shared experiences. Love you...you know that.

Vivian Lam Braciale
February 18, 2025
I had the privilege of joining the Esmon labs as a postdoctoral fellow. On my first day of arrival (after driving 23 hours from Hamilton, Canada), I was welcomed with warm hospitality and humor. The lab was not only an exciting place of discovery and innovation (particularly in how the protein C pathway intersects with immunity), it was also my home away from home. Naomi was always available and enthusiastic in providing expertise in research projects. Outside of the lab, she was a wonderful host and would often invite me over to hang out with their beloved labrador retrievers. After I returned to Canada to start my own lab, I stayed in touch with the Esmons. They have always been very generous with sharing of reagents and providing mentorship, particularly with translational studies. I would like to send my sincere condolences to Chuck and Naomi's family. I will miss Naomi dearly.

Patricia Liaw
February 18, 2025
Naomi and Chuck were brilliant scientists and great mentors to us at Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation. It's our privilege to work in the lab. I remember Naomi for her laughter, humor, kindness, full of energy, and wisdom of life. She was so good at turning challenges into lessons and moments of doubt into opportunities for growth. So grateful for her guidance, help and encouragement, which will continue to shape my path. Deepest condolences to Chuck and Naomi’s family. Her memory will stay with us for a long time.

Weihong and Sean Zheng
February 18, 2025