Esther Melendez

In the song of life, Esther Melendez was surely the composer. A very observant woman who would rather spend her time creating than talking, Esther preferred to live in a world of harmony where everything around her made sense. In fact, she depended on her sensory world to provide her with concrete data. A free spirit, Esther believed that actions definitely spoke for themselves. She seemed to know what fit and what didn’t fit in everything she did. Esther perceived that all of life’s possibilities were open to her, yet she lived with a definite sense of purpose. She was a woman who was always ready to share her creations with those around her.

Her parents were Arturo & Martha. Esther was raised in Bronx, New York. As a young child, Esther was optimistic in her outlook. She sought out the possibilities in a given situation and looked for ways to apply her creative energies. Esther rarely calling attention to herself, but when she did speak out, her message was clearly understood by those around her.

Early on in her family relationships, Esther showed that she was a tolerant and flexible person, and she got along fairly well with everyone. She was raised with Three Siblings. She had Two brothers (Jimmy & Ruben), one sister (Hilda). She was a calm and playful child who was adaptable to any situation.

As she was growing up, Esther developed into a person who enjoyed physically doing things, and she took pleasure in using her hands in order to create. Whether it was drawing pictures, working with building kits, or even just tapping out a rhythm to play by, Esther liked concrete things. Growing up, Esther took part in going to the parks and playing handball. She loved participating in the different youth programs in the neighborhood. In her spare time she liked flipping baseball cards. Esther's memorable achievements included obtaining her high school diploma & studying in business. However, to Esther, the most fun she had was simply playing, and spending time with friends.

Early on in her school years, Esther showed an interest in learning, especially when it came to subjects in the arts. At times, school learning did not provide Esther with sufficient challenges, but being an avid reader, she could often be “lost in a book” well above her grade level. Her passion for fine arts was so keen that fellow students and even her teachers recognized it. She graduated from Roosevelt high school, Bronx New York in 1972. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. Her favorite class in high school was Math, English & Business. The teacher she enjoyed learning from the most was Mr. Fitzgerald.

In college, Esther showed that she was able to focus on what was necessary. She found it quite easy to dive headlong into classes, especially those that truly interested her. Using her understanding of language, Esther was able to move comfortably through a wide variety of courses. She also demonstrated her artistic temperament and talent, even in classes that weren’t typically considered art courses. Esther’s ability to assemble highly creative projects became second nature to her.

She earned her Associates Degree at Monroe Community College she also attended, SCS Business & Technical institute as well as the Auxiliary Police Academy. Her favorite courses were computer. Her favorite professors were Mr. Kelly & Surie. Esther always showed an interest in Security and monitoring.

Those who didn’t know Esther well might not view her as being an outgoing person, those who called her their friend knew differently. Esther was shy and sensitive, a person who never forced her opinions and values on others. Close friends knew that her kindness was unmatched, and once you became a friend of Esther’s, you understood how true a friend she could be. While growing up, some of her best friends were her brothers. Later in life, she became friends with Sohie and Pura who were sisters.

A person who was sensitive to others’ feelings, modest and tolerant, Esther had the ability to become completely devoted to another when that affection was returned. On May 29, 1992, Esther exchanged wedding vows with her life partner Juan Leon at the Office of the City Clerk Bronx County.

Esther was exceptionally sympathetic and compassionate when it came to her children. These emotional bonds made her as much playmate as parent. She gave her family unconditional love and kindness, sharing her artistic nature by turning everyday events into creative play. Esther was blessed with two children and four step children, Jason , Rafael, Carmen, Juan, Jasmine, Albert. She was also blessed with Twelve grandchildren, Yollice, Corrin, Sarah, Savannah, Diamond, Kiara, Jason, Juan, Albert, Sarina, Miredys and Misael.

Esther found ways to enjoy what she did for a living. She worked hard and did her best to succeed every day. Her primary occupation was house-wife and Mother. She was also employed working as an expediting and filing representative. Esther tended to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done without imposing her will on others.

Esther enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were shopping, going out to places, movies, parks and church. Esther was content to enjoy her hobbies alone but was also willing to share her interests with others. She was relaxed in her approach to her leisure time because she wanted to savor the present moment.

Esther liked sports. In high school, Esther played handball. Recreational sports included walking. Esther was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following her favorite events whenever she got the opportunity.

Throughout her life, Esther was a doer and was always actively involved in professional and community organizations. In high school, Esther was a member of the Auxiliary Police Department. In college, Esther joined the Love Gospel Church. Throughout her later years, Esther was an active member of the Love Gospel Church. She had a tendency to bring peace to her relationships by avoiding disagreements.

Esther was a woman who took pride in upholding her beliefs. So it’s little wonder that she took an active role in her community. A loyal contributor, Esther was comfortable in the role of a team player. Esther was a member of several community groups, including serving on committees for the Auxiliary Police, Street Patrol. Esther was able to serve her community well, thanks to her open mind and faithful commitment.

Esther’s faith was important to her. She was a member Love Gospel Church for fifteen years. During that time, she excelled in bible study. Esther's passionate commitment to upholding her values placed her at home in her religion, where she took comfort in the company of others who believed as she did.

Esther Passed away at North Shore Long Island Jewish Forest Hills Hospital after suffering from Heart failure and kidney disease. She is survived by her husband Juan, her children Jason, Rafael, her step children Carmen, Juan, Jasmine, Albert, her grandchildren Yollice, Corrin, Savannah, Diamond, Kiara, Jason, Juan, Albert, Sarina, Miredys as well as her brothers Jimmy and Ruben and sister Hilda. The Wake & Visitation were held at Thomas M. Quinn & Sons Funeral Home; and the Mass of Christian Burial was held at Most Precious Blood Church, Astoria, N.Y. Esther was laid to rest in St. Michael's Cemetery at St. Joseph's Mausoleum East Elmhurst, New York.

Esther was a good woman, a kind woman, and a practical woman who will for all time be remembered by her family and friends as being warm and deeply caring. She leaves behind her a treasury of life-long friendships and wonderful memories. Esther always had much to give and was able to make those connections in her life where her gifts were appreciated. Esther was a faithful, practical and loving person. Everyone whose life she touched will always remember Esther Melendez

Arrangements under the direction of Thomas M. Quinn & Sons, Astoria, NY.