Esther Erdy

Esther Grace Erdy Esther Grace Erdy, age 90, of West Mansfield died Sunday, July 29, 2012, in the comfort of her own home with her husband and family at her side following an extended illness. A loving homemaker and farmer's wife, Esther was a longtime member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. She enjoyed sewing, quilting, and cooking and especially enjoyed her reputation as a "card shark", loving to play euchre and other card games. Just this past June she helped complete over 90 quilts that were sent to an Indian reservation in South Dakota, her final mission in life. She and her husband, Joe, enjoyed an annual fishing trip to Ontario, Canada, travelled extensively throughout Europe and visited all 50 states. Esther was deeply loved and cherished by her family and will forever be remembered for her compassion, generosity, and kind-hearted ways...and her homemade donuts! She was born December 13, 1921, in Wayne County, near Justus, to the late Edward and Florence Hoffman Simon. She was preceded in death by a sister, Gladys Aukerman, a brother, Donald Simon, and an infant brother, Milton Simon. Survivors include her devoted husband of 63 years, Joseph "Joe" Erdy, to whom she was married on June 14, 1949, at St. Therese's Catholic Church, in Brewster; her children, Ed (Rosie) Erdy, Richwood; Tim Erdy, West Mansfield; and Vicki Erdy and her close friend, John Tapp, each of Rushsylvania; her daughter-in-law, Linda Erdy, Rushsylvania; 7 grandchildren, Kimberly (Stephen) Chadwick, Joe (Kristy) Erdy, Kate Erdy, Lora (Justin) James, Jeremy (Micaelea) Erdy, Tiffany Middlesworth, and Anita (Eric) White; 9 great-grandchildren, Mattilyn and Alex Chadwick, Abigail, Bryan, and Samuel Erdy, Elizabeth and Alivia James, Nicholas Middlesworth, and Evan White; a brother, Raymond (Kay) Simon, Navarre; her husband's siblings; many nieces and nephews; and her church family. Friends may call from 5-8 p.m. on Thursday, August 2, 2012, at Mannasmith-Schnurrenberger Funeral Home, West Mansfield, where a Rosary service will begin at 7:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place Friday, August 3, 2012, at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. Father David Poliafico will officiate and burial will take place at the church cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Universal Home Health & Hospice in care of the funeral home. Mass cards will also be available. Condolences may be expressed at www.mannasmithfuneralhome.com.