Miriam Esther Sichanis

Esther Sichanis, 77, went home to meet her Savior on May 4th, 2017. Born in New Haven, Indiana, on January 14, 1940, her full maiden name was Miriam Esther Roberts, and she was the devoted daughter of Herman and Cebe Roberts. The only girl of 3 older brothers, Gene, Edwin and Paul, Esther is the last of her siblings to pass away. She had such grace and class. To know her was to love her. She adored her mother, who was as gentle, sweet and innocent as Esther was. A perfectionist from a tender age, Esther would keep the Robert's home spotless while her mother went to work. Both ladies were wonderful homemakers who loved to laugh and were amazingly similar in spirit, faith and love. After 27 years apart, that precious mother-daughter bond is restored in the presence of God today.

Her family moved to Fort Wayne around 1950, where Esther attended Franklin Grade School and later graduated from North Side High School. She held several jobs, starting at Central Soya, then a beauty supply firm, and then as a secretary at Anthony Wayne Bank. Later in life, she volunteered at the Fort Wayne Museum of Art, worked part time at Cassandra's Shoes, then a ladies' fashion boutique, and frequently at the family business, Craft Laboratories.

In 1959, she went on a blind date with George Sichanis, son of Greek immigrants, who was and still is tall, dark, handsome and nearly a decade older than she. Perfectly quaffed and super snappy dressers, the two of them made a gorgeous couple. He loved her sweet, tender nature and she loved his drive and

ambition. Together they were the perfect balance. Their love story stood the test of time and in recent years, became a heart-melting example of the most expressively loving, affectionate couple people had ever seen.

They were married by a greek priest in 1960 at Trinity Episcopal Church, honoring George's Greek Orthodox heritage. Esther was protestant, but they united in faith and became active, long term members of Cedar Creek Church of Christ in Leo, where she was the church pianist for many years. A very talented musician, she played beautifully by ear and sang worship.

Among her many favorite things were her grandkids, fashion, music, art, decorating, her Schnauzer 'Fritz', laughing, cuddling with George, painting, bowling, golfing, theater, concerts, dining out, shopping, boating, 'snowbirding' in Naples Florida, visiting Disney World countless times, traveling the world, and hosting friends and family.

Esther's biggest pride and joy were her two daughters, Jodie and Stacy, whose every need was attended in loving detail. She dressed them up like little dolls and even pressed their baby clothes. Their biggest and most supportive fan, she lovingly cheered them on as they forged through adolescence, teen hood, and adult life. The values she instilled in them provided a sturdy foundation upon which they have built their lives. She provided many wonderful opportunities to cultivate their talents and interests, but the greatest gift she passed on to her daughters was her faith in Jesus Christ. The Sichanis family is very blessed, and she was the anchor from whom those blessings arose. She always prayed for her family, for her daughter's future spouses and their children. We are so thankful for Esther, who is a rare and remarkable example of what a Godly wife, mother, friend, sister and daughter looks like.

She is survived by her incredibly devoted, adoring husband of 57 years, George, and her daughter, Jodie (Scott) Harrup, and grandchildren, Lindsay, Connor and Austin; as well as her youngest daughter, Stacy (Bill) Munsie, and grandchildren, Braden and Jessica.

Service is 11 am, Saturday, May 13, 2017 at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 110 E. Wallen Road with calling one hour prior, Fr. Andrew Walsh officiating. Calling at D.O. McComb and Sons Pine Valley Park Funeral Home, Friday, May 12, 2017, from 2 pm to 5 pm and 7 pm to 9 pm with a Trisagion Service at 8 pm. Entombment directly following in Greenlawn Memorial Park Cemetery, Fort Wayne, Indiana. Memorials may be made to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church or Shriners Hospitals for Children.