Esther Cecere, 88, formerly of Olyphant, died Wednesday at the Laurels Nursing Home, Peckville, where she had resided for seven years, after a short illness. She was the wife of John "Piney" Cecere, who died Oct. 12, 1999.
Born in Eynon on June 8, 1922, daughter of the late Paul and Eugenia Pellegrini Puletti, she was a graduate of Archbald High School, class of 1939. She was employed as a sewing- machine operator at Baumel's Dress Factory and Pawnee Pants for several years before retirement. She was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of Raymond Henry American Legion Post 327 in Olyphant. She was a life member of St. Patrick's Church. Esther enjoyed spending time at family get-togethers, especially in the company of her grandchildren. She also enjoyed cooking, playing cards and was once an avid bowler. Her holiday dinner of fine Italian cuisine was a special delight to all of her family.
Esther was a special person and will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
She is survived by two daughters, Carol Benson and husband, David Sr., Throop; and Linda Havran and husband, William, Peckville; a sister, Mercedes Rinaldi, Eynon; seven grandchildren, David Benson Jr. and wife, Lisa, Eynon; Craig Benson and wife, Karen, Lake Ariel; Kristy Benson, Throop; Paul Benson and wife, Amanda, Dickson City; Robert Havran and wife, Shannon, Eynon; John Havran, Peckville; and Jennifer Harvey and husband, Rich, Peckville; five great-grandchildren; two stepgreat-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.
She was also preceded in death by four sisters, Zelinda Rogari, Clara Puletti, Elda Sebastianelli and Doris Scoblick; and two brothers, Peter and Frank Puletti.
Funeral services will be Saturday from the Michael P. Glinsky Funeral Home Inc., 129 Grant St., Olyphant, with Mass at 9:30 a.m. in Holy Cross Parish at St. Patrick's Church, Olyphant. Interment will be in St. Patrick's Cemetery, Blakely. Friends may call Friday, 5 to 8 p.m. For information visit www.glinskyfuneralhome.com.