| Esther K. Stevens |
| 5/18/2022 |
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Stevens, Esther Katherine, 102 longtime resident of Hull, Massachusetts passed away peacefully on May 18, 2022
Esther had many different facets of her life. She enjoyed being the center of attention and life of the party. Over her many years she developed relationships with so many people and maintained a unique sense of humor to the very end. She was the daughter of the late Atanase and Sophia Tanacea Pandaru. Mrs. Stevens was born in Woonsocket, RI and raised in Worcester, MA. She was the wife of the late James P. Stevens. At a very young age she lost her mother and as the country came out of the Great Depression started working for Table Talk Pies in Worcester, MA where she became very close to its founder, Theodore A. Tonna and his wonderful family. When she was in her late 20’s she worked in the clothing business specializing in unique and stylish maternity clothing that culminated into the opening of “Blessed Event Shop” in Worcester. In a newspaper article she told a reporter that the name came to her after her son, James was born. During the 1950’s she moved her family to Hull. She is survived by three sons, James Stevens of Dartmouth, MA, David Stevens of Marlborough, MA and Christopher Stevens and his wife Gayle of North Andover, MA, three grandchildren, James (JP) of Westwood, MA, Joshua of Pleasant Hill, CA and Ashley of North Andover, MA. Esther was also the proud great grandmother to three beautiful great grandchildren; Simon, Elliott and Meryl as well as several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by two brothers and three sisters, Spiro (Pete) Pandaru, Nicolae (Nick) Pandaru, Olimbia (Bea) Pandaru Germain, Flora Hibbard and Veronica Pandaru. She was also predeceased by her closest and dearest friend, Margaret T. McBride (Nana Peg) longtime resident of Hull who was a grandmother figure to her children and grandchildren. Most importantly, she developed an inseparable bond with her son, David, as they pursued their mutual interests and caring for one another for so many years. Esther and her family were proud of her participation in a longevity study at Vanderbilt University funded by the federal government DARPA Program studying supercentenarians and the composition of their immune systems. It is believed that, among other things, she possessed the protective antibodies of The Spanish Flu (1918-1920). There are less than 10 centenarians being studied currently. According to Doctor James Crowe “ it is very important to catalog and describe the human immune system with extreme aging”. It is hoped that Esther’s participation will benefit mankind in the years to come. More than 70 years ago, Esther’s family were among the founders of St. Nicholas Orthodox Church (previously located in Worcester). In lieu of flowers, donations should be sent to Rev. Fr. Nicholas K. Apostola for his amazing leadership as Pastor in expanding and opening the congregation in support of Orthodox Christians in the community and beyond. Please send your thoughtful contributions in Esther’s memory to: St. Nicholas Orthodox Church 34 Gold St?Shrewsbury MA 01545-6238. The family wishes to thank the Town of Hull Police and Fire Departments, Emergency Medical personnel and the staffs at Maplewood at Weston, Newton Wellesley Hospital and Good Shepherd Community Care for all their care and service. Funeral services are private. | |||||
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