IN MEMORIAM: Esther Vandermark, 95;

‘Mother Superior’ Of Oneonta’s Jamesway

ONEONTA – Esther N. Vandermark, 95, known as Jamesway’s “Mother Superior” during her many years working there, passed away peacefully, October 24, 2018 at Fox Hospital, surrounded by her family.

She was born Nov. 14, 1922, in Oneonta, the daughter of Patsy and Matilda (Martin) Delello. She married Leon Vandermark on June 28, 1942, in Oneonta.

Esther enjoyed a long career at the local Jamesway store, on Oneonta’s East End, as the customer service manager, where she always gave service with a smile and was fondly remembered by many as “Mother Superior.”

Esther had a kind heart and a strong love for her family, friends and neighbors. She enjoyed teaching family members how to bake cookies, her special brownies, cakes and fudge. Showing others how to play cards was her favorite pastime. She was an avid reader, enjoyed doing word searches, coloring and completing puzzles.

She will be remembered with love by her daughters, Barbara Murphy of Ocala, Fla., Patricia Moore of Ulster Park, and Denise (David) Brandow of Schenevus, daughter-in-law, Harriet Vandermark of Monticello; six grandchildren, Robert (Risa) Vandermark, Renee Vandermark, Stephanie (Greg) Reeder, Brian Moore, Danielle (Luis) Gonzalez and Michael (Claudia) Mellucci; sixteen great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren; her sisters, Eleanor (Leonard) Beers of Norwich, Martha Delello of Oneonta; her brother, Frederick (Nancy) Delello of Oneonta; special cousins Bobby and Lucy Ingalls, and many nieces and nephews.

Esther was predeceased by her husband, Leon; her son, Richard; her parents; sisters, Cecelia, Philamena and Joan Delello, Bernice Mulkins, Frances Walley, Carole Maddalone; brothers, Martin Delello, Bernard Delello, and Patrick Dellelo.

Honoring the wishes of Esther, there will be no calling hours. Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family with the Rev. Paul Messner officiating.

In Esther’s memory, her family asks you to perform a random act of kindness for someone else.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to your local food bank or fire department.

Funeral arrangements are by Oneonta’s only family-owned funeral home, Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono at 51 Dietz Street; Condolences to the Vandermark Family may be made at, www.lhpfuneralhome.com