Esther Pashkin, 91, former resident of Birch Heights Retirement Community in Derry, passed away February 23, 2015 after a brief illness. A first-generation American, Esther was born in New York City on February 13, 1924 and resided there most of her life. Her parents had entered Ellis Island from Russia as children in 1908.
She was a devoted wife to Frank and mother to two daughters, Rochelle and Sandra. She loved to knit and crochet, gifting her creations to friends and family. She graduated Christopher Columbus High School in NYC in 1942. After raising her daughters, she earned her degree at Pace University in NYC in 1973.
During the war years, Esther was a "Rosie the Riveter," working at a defense plant in New Jersey making airplane parts. She was also a sales girl at the famous Henri Bendel's on Fifth Avenue. After her daughters were school age, she returned to the workforce, this time for the Board of Education at P.S. 33 where she worked for 33 years, retiring in 1993.
At age 87, Esther embarked on a new adventure, leaving New York City to transition to the serenity of rolling hills, birch trees, and apple orchards of New Hampshire. She took up residence at Birch Heights in Derry, where she made new friends. She enjoyed the peaceful views from her balcony in every season, and the birds that perched on the birch trees.
She is survived by her two daughters, Rochelle Pashkin and her husband Sebastian of New York City, and Sandra Engley and her husband Paul of Londonderry. She is also survived by her nephew Arthur Shan and family. She was predeceased by her husband of 61 years, Frank Pashkin, and also by her two brothers, Robert Shan and Joseph Shanowsky.
Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, April 15th at 11:00 A.M. at the Peabody Funeral Home, 290 Mammoth Road, Londonderry. Burial will follow at the Pillsbury Cemetery, Londonderry.