Esther F. (Pond) McAneney of 1 Crescent Street, Hornell, died Friday morning (July 22, 2011) at her home, following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. She was 76 years young. She was the daughter of Franc & Esther (Walker) Pond, and was preceded in death by her brother, Samuel & Marie (Corvi) Pond.
Esther was born in Philadelphia and graduated from Frankford High School class of ’53. At the age of 16, while still in high school she met her Sweetheart, Bernie. And her lifelong journey was sealed. It was love at first sight. Forever, for always, no matter what! Their years together were an example to her children and grandchildren of mutual respect and unconditional love. Wherever Esther was, Bernie was there with her. They were inseparable. They travelled the world together, visiting family and friends after retirement, enjoyed many vacations up and down the East Coast, always in tow was her companion Gizmo.
Her life as a mother was always supportive and never ending, and with just the right amount of discipline. As a friend you, could find no one better. Through the years she opened up her home to those who needed a place to live. Whether it be a relative, an exchange student, or a neighbor visiting for a cup of coffee, her door was always open. She felt a strong connection with every animal that visited her back yard and made sure she took care of each and every one.
Esther stayed at home and raised her eight children before seeking work outside the home. During her 21 years as a teacher’s aide for BOCES she shared many laughs and hijinks with her coworkers and AZB sorority sisters. She was a member of the Hornell Humane Society and SPCA. She loved music of all types and attended concerts whenever possible. She loved to cook and try new recipes and took pride in her flower garden. Prior to living in Hornell, Edgewater Park NJ was her home. She always gave back to the community and volunteered whenever needed, PTA President, Jaycee-etts, Cookie Mom, and Den Mother.
She was the beloved wife of Bernard (Bernie) for 58 years. The love they shared, and the legacy they created together with their children, and 23 grandchildren, will keep her memory alive for many generations to come.
She leaves to celebrate her life, the children she most dearly loved: Bernadette (William) Harris of Tabernacle, NJ, Daniel (Ilka) McAneney of Philadelphia, Gerard (Kathleen) McAneney, John McAneney, Kathryn McAneney all of Hornell, Eileen (Steve) Busby of Alfred, Matthew (Jodi) McAneney of Hornell and Maureen (Scott) McHenry of Canandaigua; her grandchildren Emily, Rebecca, Patrick, Anthony, Daniel, Joseph, Christopher, Caitlin, Abigail, Morgan, Vincent, Shawna, Heather, Evan, Rochelle, Alan, Liam, Aidan, Declan, Matthew, Gabriel, James, and Michael; her nephew Samuel (Mimi) Pond; great nephew Dylan; niece Marie Pond; great-nephew, Tina; many many nieces and nephews through marriage.
She was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and her faith in God is what created such a strong compassion within her for all people and all creatures great and small.
The family of Esther will receive friends on Tuesday from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church Street in Hornell. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at 11:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church. Final interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Esther’s family request that memorial contributions be made in her name to the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Drive, Hornell, NY 14843. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.
My thoughts and prayers are with you. You are all such a loving and wonderful family. Love you all!
My heart is sad that you have left us. But knowing that you are in the loving arms of Jesus gives us peace. I pray you meet up with some of your turtle sisters and enjoy the blessings of heaven…until we meet again.
Love and blessings to the McAneney family,
Melynda
Bernie and family,
I tried a few times to visit Ester and now I lost my chance!!!! I am so, so, so sorry for your loss. I know how much she meant to Bernie and your whole family, but I don’t think you know how much she meant to me. I always held her in such high esteem and respect. I really do think her and I had alot in common and always wanted so much to have a “heart to heart” with her. I don’t even know what else to say – the tears are coming, so I’ll see you all at the funeral home.
Love and prayers to all,
Love, Sharyn
Great lady, will be greatly missed.
We feel that a member of our family has moved on and console ourselves with the thought that we have another contact in heaven watching over us. We pray that the Bernie and the family find some solace in the reflections on Esther’s contribution to the great lives you all have had. Peace and love, Bob & Linda
Thoughts and prayers to this most wonderful family. May the angels lift you up in this very sad time. Esther was an AMAZING lady and that’s truly and understatement. A gift to all the lives she touched. I will never forget when she first got Gizmo…I was parked next to her in the parking lot and she was sooo excited about that little dog…We talked for a half an hour about how precious dogs are…I never saw her without a smile…YOU WILL be missed Esther…God Bless the family..Our hearts are yours…
Bernie and family:
You are in my prayers.
Joe
Esther was a sweetheart.She loved life and enjoyed smiling. We will miss her at the LaSalle functions.Our best wishes to Bernie,her children,and her grandchildren.RIP.
Esther will be sadly missed. She was a wonderful mother, “sister” , and friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family. Until we meet again my God hold you in the palm of His hands.
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family,god bless
The entire McAneney family are in our prayers. Esther was such a wonderful person and will always be remembered fondly by all the people she has known. Esther’s love of family and community are well known. She would help anyone at anytime. Such an incredible person. She has begun her new life with the Lord. I know that she is looking down at all of us and smiling. God Bless.
Our deepest sympathy goes to all the McAneney family.
Though I do not know many of you well, being a friend of Maureen’s for a good number of years, I want to let each of you know that I hold you up in prayer. Remember that Jesus told the disciples when he was about to leave this earth: “Let not your hearts be troubled nor let them be afraid. Believe in God and believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many rooms. I go to prepare a place for you.” I hope that though this is a very sad and difficult time, you will know the assurance that in fact there was a place ready for Esther as she was a dearly loved daughter of the King. I pray each of you would know the comfort of the Spirit of God and that each of you would feel His everlasting arms holding you. Paul told the apostles that when the earthly tent is taken down, God promises a far more glorious dwelling in heaven. Love in Christ, Denise
Although we haven’t been touch in many, many years we still have wonderful memories of Esther, Bernie and the kids. We worked side by side for many years with the Edgewater Park PTA and Jaycettes. Anyone who knew Esther will confirm that she was never too busy to lend a hand where needed. The coffee pot was always brewing and she always found time to listen. Our son, Rusty and Bernadette went to grammar school together. To Bernie and all the kids – our heartfelt condolences. We know how much she will be missed.
I just read Esther’s obit in the Burl. Co.Times (NJ) this morning and it brought back so many memories. Esther and I went to Frankfor HS together and clowned around in Home Ec. classes. Later when they moved to Edgewater Park, NJ I wss already living here and we met again through PTA. Right before she left for NY a group of us girls got together, drank some wine, and pierced Esther’s ears.She called me later and said the holes did not match.We laughed over that. I saw her again at a Frankford HS reunion. We had been such good friends. My prayers to Bernie and her children and grandchildren
I didn’t have the pleasure of knowing Mrs. MacAneney personally but can only imagine what at amazing, vibrant, spirited, fun and kindhearted person she must have been as I’ve come to know her beautiful granddaughter Shawna. May her spirit live on forever in those who love her.
Dear Uncle Bernie and cousins,
A great loss you have suffered. You however were blessed with a great spirit who gave you all such joy and love. In your time of grief , let that love carry you through these difficult days. All our love, Sammy, Mimi and Dylan
Mom and Dad always had his heart and home open to all who want your love, companionship, joy. I pray to God with that same love that welcomed us, be blessed.
Mama God rest his soul and give to Dad and all her children, grandchildren, nephews and friends peace of mind that she is sharing his glory.
JOSE
thinking of your family with sympathy, prayers and love…..Jesus is holding you all in the palm of his hands…may your memories of your wife and Mom make you smile through you sadness and tears… God bless you all during this time. Kim Wood and family
Bernie,
May God’s blessing be with you and your family.
Our prayers are with you. May Esther rest in peace.
George
Growing up in Hornell Esther and Bernie were always considered my 2nd mom and dad. Their home was always open and Esther made everyone feel so welcome and loved. Kathy is my best friend and Esther made me feel as though I was one of her daughters. There is no better soul in heaven now. Your whole family is in my prayers every single day. I love you all. No more pain now Esther. I Love you.
what a great legacy, love to all
Bernie,
I am so sorry for your loss. Ester was in my prayers all throughout her illness but I happy she’s with Our Lord.
Our deepest condolences to you and all your family. Love George & Rose Giovinazzo
I was very sad to read this morning that Esther passed away. I knew of Esther through her daughter Eileen who I was great friends with, before she moved to NY and we fell out of touch. My heart goes out to the entire family. I was lucky to meet Esther when Eileen took me to her home to meet her family. Esther welcome me in her home and made the BEST chicken and potatos. I still have Esther’s receipt and it is a favorite. Esther is somebody that you will never forget as she was such a lovely lady and had such a wonderful family. Whenever I spoke to Eileen I would also say, how is Esther and Bernard?
Try and remember all the good times with Esther to get you through this difficult time and everytime you think of her she will be right there in your Heart. Love and Blessings to the entire family. My prayers are with you. Love, Sharon Haluska
Anyone who was blessed to know Esther McAneney had a friend for life! She was truly an amazing woman who touched SO many lives in SPECIAL ways–the many children in school that she so dearly loved, her co-workers who “always wished we could be a bit more like Esther”, her lifelong network of friends—but most of all, her loving family. She will be remembered as God’s shining example of a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and true friend. The world was a better place because of Esther McAneney! We will all truly miss her smiling face. Heaven is now blessed with another SPECIAL ANGEL! May God hold her in the palm of his hand. Love and Prayers, Linda and Bill McMordie
I am blessed to have known Mrs.McAneney.Happy would be the one word I’d use to describe her.Whenever you were around her,it was obvious how much joy she had in her life.It is impossible to think of her without picturing her with a big smile on her face.
My thoughts are with your entire family.
My thoughts and prayers are with the McAneney family during this time. I did not have the pleasure of working with Esther but the impact she made will forever by remembered by us all. I have had the pleasure of working with Jerry/Kathy and Kathy during my time in education. I also have spent time with Bernie and some of the other McAneney family during Challenger baseball, what a wonderfully thoughtful family. It is so nice to see a family with such close ties and commitment to each other.
Remember all the great times and the wonderful qualities that Esther has passed on to you all. Again thoughts and prayers with the family.
Mary Wolf
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Esther was a wonderful lady and I always enjoyed seeing her. The tribute written above spoke volumes of the love your family has for Esther and each other. We as friends and acquaintances definitely always felt that love too! Esther will be missed beyond words can say but she will always be in your hearts! Our loss, Heavens gain…
I feel truly blessed to have known Mrs McAneney and all her wonderful family. I have such fond memories of the times I spent with them in 1979. Each and every one of you are in my thoughts and prayers. Remember, she is with you each and every day in your hearts and all your precious memories. A truly wonderful, remarkable woman is how I would describe her. She always made me feel so welcome and so loved. Each of you possess those wonderful qualities that your parents, grandparents have passed on to you. Mr & Mrs McAneney are two of the nicest people I know and have raised each of you in that same way. May God be with you!!!! Thinking of all of you!!!
Our prayers are with the entire family. May the peace of Christ that surpasses all understanding be with each and every one of you during this most difficult time.
Dear Bernie and Family: Bernie, although I never had the honor of meeting your wife Esther, I know by all that I have read from her other friends that she was the finest of all. My smypathy goes out to you and all your family and be assured my wife Diane and I will remember her and all of you in our prayers and masses in the future. God Bless you all.
Dear Mr. McAneney and family,
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Mrs. McAneney. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Love to All,
Barbi Gallagher and the whole clan.
Dear Mr. McAneney and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Mrs. McAneney. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Love to all,
Barbi Gallagher and family.
McAneney Family,
I have many fond memories of your mother & the days in Edgewater Park, NJ. I will always think of her as “Mrs. Mac”. I remember running around the McAneney house while my mom had a cup of tea with Mrs. Mac. I remeber all the laughter the ladies had together. Mrs. Mac was always pretty laid back about the messes we created when we visited (what more could a kid ask for). So, even though that friendship is from many years ago, you will be missed as a dear friend to our family and our mom & remain in my memory forever.
McAneney Family, I am sorry for your loss and hope that you will find some comfort in all the lives that she touched with her kind heart and her willingness to laugh with friends.
I just had to say I couldn’t stay long today but also could not not go at all. Mrs Mc was as we all know the BEST…and the entire family is reflective of that. I just want you all to know I care and I am deeply sorry for your loss.I don’t get back to Hornell often but something like this makes me realize I need to. Your all a great family my love and prayers are with you!
Bernie and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. Esther will be sadly missed.
Dan, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Please accept my deepest sympathy on the sad loss of your mom.
DAN & Family,
A BEAUTIFUL ‘MOM’ is an eternal treasure
FAIR WINDS / SMOOTH SAILING
DICK MALONEY
DAN & FAMILY,
A BEAUTIFUL ‘MOM ‘ IS AN ETERNAL TREASURE
FAIR WINDS / SMOOTH SAILING
Dear Matthew & Jodi,
May you find peace with your mothers passing and joy in your memories. God Bless
Dear Matthew & Jodi,
May you find peace in your mothers passing & joy in your life of memories.
Her loss is offset by her presence with the Lord. My prayers are with you and the family.
Bernie & family,
Our thoughts are with you and your family at this time. We have many fond memories of you, Esther and your children when you lived in Edgewater Park. All of the good times we had in Jaycees. We were good friends and missed you when you moved to Hornell. Esther always sent us a Christmas card until last year. We didn’t know she was so ill.
God Bless you.