Esther Marie Sciacca Hardison, 81, of Jamesville, passed away on Monday, February 19, 2024, at her home.
Esther Marie Hardison was born on February 21, 1942 in White Plains, New York, the only child of Joseph and Mina Sciacca. Kind and compassionate, she dedicated herself to helping others, earning a bachelor's degree in nursing. In her twenties, Esther moved to Florida, where she later raised her two daughters, Teri and Maria, demonstrating great determination as a single parent. Esther's generosity of spirit extended past her roles of nurse and mother, finding loving homes for dozens of animals in need and even helping an unhoused young man in her community to find work and rebuild his life. Esther made everyone she met feel like family and, as such, was a mom to so many beyond her own children. Esther enjoyed working with her hands and was good at many crafts including sewing, stained glass, ceramics, crocheting, and especially jewelry making; of which she turned into her own profitable business after leaving the nursing profession. Deeply admired by her daughters, Esther had an independent spirit and an ingenuity that defied the traditional roles of her time, like tackling home and auto repairs herself, taking a job cutting greens on a golf course, and fearlessly facing life's challenges on her own. Thoughtful and generous, Esther had a knack for making holidays special for her family, including her five beloved grandchildren; Nick, Joey, Christina, Mia, and Ella. Esther had a wonderful combination of warmth and wit, and was led by a deep faith that sustained her. Later in life she moved to Jamesville, North Carolina, where she found her church home and a community of friends that she truly loved. In November of 2023, Esther married Mr. Will Hardison and her final months with him were her happiest. She will be missed greatly.
Funeral service will be held Saturday, February 24, 2024 at 12:30 p.m. at Poplar Chapel Church of Christ with Glenn Crocker officiating. Burial will follow in Jamesville Cemetery. Family will receive friends on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at the church prior to the service and other times at the residence.
Arrangements are by Maitland Funeral Home, Plymouth.
