Obituary of Ester Effel
Monticello, NY
Ester Effel, longtime resident of Sullivan County passed away peacefully at Garnet Medical Center on July 21, 2021 surrounded by her loving family. She was 85 years old.
Ester was born in Istanbul, Turkey where she had a somewhat challenging childhood. Her family had very limited means which required her to get a job at a young age to help out. As difficult as it was, it helped her develop a wonderful work ethic that would benefit her for the rest of her life. When Ester was 20 years old she went to visit family in Jeffersonville NY. As it turned out, this trip was life changing. While there , she met and married her first husband Sy Peretz, and had her son Lonnie. Together they ran the family chicken farm. Unfortunately, Sy became ill and passed away at the young age of 36. Ester, still in her 20's, with a three year old son, now had the overwhelming responsibility of operating the farm by herself. This is where that great work ethic kicked in. She tirelessly ran the farm for a number of years, then decided to sell and try something new. She first went to work for the Catskill Shopper where she used her outstanding sales skills for more than 10 years. This was followed by almost 30 productive years in the Finance Department at Rhulen Frontier Insurance.
In 1974, Ester attended a Parents Without Partners function where she met Harry (Pete) Effel. This was the beginning of a 39 year love story that ended when Pete passed away in 2013. Ester's devotion to Pete was most evident during the final years of his life when he became very ill. She took care of his every need, and made sure Pete felt loved till the very end.
Ester was a beautiful woman with a beautiful heart. She loved her family and friends deeply, and demonstrated this affection through her cooking. A meal at her house was an event. The wonderful aromas overwhelmed you when you opened the door. You were then presented with a beautiful array of delicious food. The variety and quantity were not believable. Esters biggest joy was sharing a meal with the people she loved. To say the least you never left Ester's house hungry.
Ester was most proud of her son Lonnie. Not only for his professional accomplishments, but for all of the loving care and support he gave her and Pete during his final years. She was most appreciative that Lonnie purchased a home in Florida that was large enough to accommodate her and Pete. This home helped create some of her fondest memories with Pete and Lonnie.
She was predeceased by her husband's Sy Peretz and Harry (Pete ) Effel, her stepson Paul Effel, and her sisters Becky Kizilorga, Bella Bendanis.
Survivors include: her son Lonnie Peretz, her daughter-in-law Linda Effel, grandchildren Becky Effel, Sean Effel and wife Susan and great grandson Sam. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, and numerous dear friends who loved her very much.
A funeral service will take place on Sunday, July 25, 2021 at 12:30pm at the Joseph N. Garlick Funeral Home, 388 Broadway, Monticello, NY 12701. Burial will immediately follow at the Congregation Anshei Glen Wild Synagogue Cemetery, Marsh Road in Glen Wild.
Funeral arrangements are honorably entrusted to the Joseph N. Garlick Funeral Home - 845-794-7474 or www.josephngarlickfuneralhome.com.
