Esther Johanna D’Angelo (Romasser) ~ September 21, 2020

Avon, New York: At age 94, Esther passed away on September 21, 2020. She was born on February 14, 1926 in Orangeville, New York to the late Chrysostum V and Mary (George) Romasser. In addition to her parents she was also predeceased by her husband Gerald J. D’Angelo and her siblings: Cleutherius Romasser, Louis Romasser, and Marie Burton. Esther is survived by children: Linda (Alan Scarsella) Higby of San Antonio, TX, Gerald (Laura) D’Angelo of Livonia and Steven D’Angelo of Avon; grandchildren: Karen (Michael) Thomann and Erica D’Angelo; nieces: Suzy Beyer and Jeanne Rittenhouse; a great niece and nephew and two spunky great grandchildren.

As a young girl, Esther joined the United States Army and became a Registered Nurse during WWII, having received a calling to become a nurse. She served in the European Theatre at the end of the war, alongside her brother Louis. Her long nursing career led her to treat patients during earlier pandemics, including tuberculosis and polio, as she practiced nursing in Livingston County, Rosewell Park, Buffalo Children’s Hospital, Strong Memorial Hospital and private practice duty. Esther later retired as the charge nurse of the Livingston County Skilled Nursing Facility. She proudly served her country and community for over 40 years, touching many lives.

Our loving Mother Esther lived a long-life overflowing with goodness and grace. A rural “old school” country girl who grew up during the Great Depression, she felt honored to become a US Army Cadet Nurse during tough times when women had few professional options. She was an exemplary nurse who proudly served her patients unconditionally with tenderness and compassion. Their pain was her pain.

A busy professional career matched perfectly with Esther’s desires to also serve her family of three children. Her home was the stage for loveliness and feminine beauty. She loved animals (especially dogs and birds) and her treasured curio collections of art and wildlife created fascinating spaces for reflection and interesting observation. She learned the needle arts, and became an especially avid knitter as a very young girl by exchanging babysitting services for needle classes. This became a life-long passion as she knitted hundreds of mittens, booties, blankets and sweaters for the homeless, Native American Indian children, hospital patients and countless fundraisers. In the same fashion, Esther became a fabulous piano player. Her melodic piano sounds of Debussy’s Clair de Lune, a loved favorite, filled the home daily. Our Mother enjoyed decades of porch sitting with friends and neighbors. She loved children and babies and was called “Mom” by everyone. She loved gardening and the healing power of flowers. Her home life was the complete expression of the person who graced its space.

A passion later in life included day tripping in pursuit of viewing baby eagles in their nests along the Oatka Creek Trail, the Finger Lakes and Letchworth State Park. She was always pursuing nature. Esther loved to travel and enjoyed road trips and country drives, always with “a good cup of coffee”.

She was a lifelong member of St Agnes Catholic Church, and served the Ladies Auxiliary, the Cub Scouts, PTA, The American Red Cross Blood Drive and supported numerous nursing organizations and countless community associations throughout her long, full and rewarding lifetime.

Esther’s family sends a special thank you to her many friends and neighbors and to the professionals that helped her in her later years, especially Ms Debbie Ferrante, Ms Cathy Davis, Ms Kathy Rudolph, Ms Lynn Swift and a host of caring nurses that comprised our “BAND OF ANGELS” and our rock. Their unbridled compassion, care and loving support for our Mother will never be forgotten. Esther always said, “All good nurses go to heaven”. We also thank Mike Dougherty and the Kevin Dougherty Funeral Home of Livonia, New York; their immediate response, trust, care and comfort given to our family and beloved Mother in our time of need was truly remarkable.

There will be no prior calling hours. Esther’s Funeral Mass will be conducted by Father Fowler at 2pm, Saturday, September 26th, at St Agnes Catholic Church, 96 Prospect St, Avon, NY. A reception will be held following mass at the Avon Inn, Main St, Avon. Graveside services following the reception will be held at the St Agnes Catholic Cemetery, officiated by family friend, Lutheran Pastor Mack Smith. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Agnes Catholic Church, 96 Prospect Street, Avon, NY 14414. To send a condolence or share a memory please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com

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8 thoughts on “Esther Johanna D’Angelo (Romasser) ~ September 21, 2020

  1. Linda and family, My heartfelt condolences go out! Wow!! What an incredible, wonderful lady! Kudos to whoever written the obituary and helped those of us who didn’t know her to catch a glimpse of such an amazing life!! One of the greatest of the “great generation”!! May God bless and comfort the family in the days ahead and bless you with many wonderful memories!! – Sincerely, Vince Vita

  2. She was definitely a special lady with beautiful soul. May her soul Rest In Peace. My heartiest condolences to the family.

  3. Linda, we are so sorry to hear of your moms passing. What a wonderful lady she was. Her obituary told what an amazing lady she was! You have inherited her energy!! In sympathy, The Caledonia Library Board of Trustees

  4. I was given the best job, when Steve answered my phone call, for an ad to take care of his beautiful mom, Esther. Esther was such a joy to be around! She really made an impact on my life. Thanks for the opportunity to love your sweet mom, and to be part of your family. Thank you…

  5. I remember Steve bringing Esther to the Avon Free Library where I clerked. Esther was always wearing a smile & we exchanged pleasantries. I used to be happy that they came when I was working especially in the evening. When Steve came by himself I would ask about Esther. Steve took very good care of his mom. He would help her pick out books & of course carried them home. I am very saddened by the death of this special lady who I grew to love. To Esther’s children I know that your mom is in heaven showing all her family how to knit. Someday when I join we can I will read books to her. Rest in peace Esther. I miss you.

  6. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Esther was such a beautiful, sweet lady. I always enjoyed seeing her when she would come get her hair done.

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