Esther was born September 2, 1923 in Lisle, New York to Walter and Mary (Jones) Pierce. Having graduated from Whitney Point H.S., Esther earned her R.N. from Wilson Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Johnson City. On November 13, 1944 she married Thorman Emery Nordberg who adored her ‘til death. Thor and Esther bought a home at 29 East Street where they raised their three daughters, an annual garden, and hosted many fierce horseshoe matches. In 1970, Esther and Thor moved to their Little House on the Lake Road in Laurens, restarting years of picnics, Rook cards and coffee and more horseshoes.
Esther worked at Fox Hospital and as office nurse for Drs. John Latcher and Edward Eckman. A member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Esther had taught Sunday School and was a member of the Ladies Aid Society.
Mom loved the French language, opera, all things BBC, books and puzzles. She enjoyed sewing, knitting, quilling and quilting, meticulous in her crafts as in all of life. To the delight of all, Esther tackled and mastered making Norwegian foods while her potato salad, molasses cookies and popcorn balls were perennial requests for family and church gatherings.
Esther and Thor shared a passion for baseball and golf, traveling to Brooklyn Dodger Stadium and Fenway Park. Each year, Mom made sure our vacations were educational.
Esther was predeceased by her husband, Thorman, her parents, brothers, Ken and Roger Pierce, sister, Daisy Brown, granddaughter, Kaline Winkler and son-in-law, John Delaney. Esther is survived by her daughters, Peggy (Federico) Serra-Lima, Thoranne (Tony) Winkler and Barbara Delaney; granddaughters, Marlys (Jim Hammond) Delaney-Hammond, Cass Young and Erin Guidici; grandsons, Kevin Winkler and Sean Delaney; seven lovely great granddaughters, Dakota, Madison and Casey Delaney-Hammond, Erica Young, Allie and Megan Guidici and Robyne Winkler; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Ethel and Howard Beams; sister, Carol Pope plus a cherished gang of nieces and nephews. Mom loved dearly her kindred spirit, Jim Nordberg and his lovely wife, Lee.
Esther enjoyed sparring with dear Dr. Cammilleri who gave generously of his TLC and expertise who with the always kind Dr. Matsuo got mom to the goal line: her 90th birthday.
Per Mom’s wishes, there will be no funeral. Committal of Esther’s ashes, led by the Rev. Paul Messner, OCLP minister, will take place in Laurens Cemetery at the convenience of her family. Memorial gifts may be directed to St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Main Street, Laurens, New York 13796 or the Oneonta Firemen’s Association, 81 Main Street, Oneonta, New York 13820.
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