Esther M. (Johnson) Hart

St. Johnsville - Esther Mae Hart, 91, of St. Johnsville (Town of Ephratah), passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 5, 2023, at St. Mary's Hospital, Amsterdam, NY.

She was born on July 20, 1931, in the Town of Oppenheim, NY, the daughter of the late Elton and Myrtle (Worell) Johnson. Esther was a graduate of the Oppenheim - Ephratah High School.

On March 16, 1951, Esther was united in marriage to Richard L. Hart at the Crum Creek Church in the Town of Oppenheim.  Esther and Richard enjoyed an evening, candlelight ceremony, in which they would exchange the vows that they would hold true to for 71 years of marriage.  

For many years, Esther, along with her husband, Richard, owned and operated the family farm in St. Johnsville.  Esther would work various jobs in the local factories, as a CNA in the VanAllen Nursing Home, and most recently, delivering meals for the elderly.  All of this work was done while Esther raised a family of seven children and worked on the farm.    

Esther was a long-time member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.  She enjoyed attending church and the love and support of her church family there.  She loved to read, especially the Bible.  She enjoyed studying the Bible with her close circle of friends and family.  Esther also had many other hobbies.  She loved to paint and color.  Esther loved to go fishing.  She started fishing with her father as a child and continued throughout her life.   She loved gardening vegetables and flowers, especially her beautiful lilies.  How she loved to sit on her porch enjoying the beauty of Bolster Hill.  She enjoyed music including church hymns and the greatest hits of Conway Twitty.  She loved fine dining and a good country picnic with the whole family in attendance.  Many evenings you could find Esther engaged in a good pitch or pinochle game.  Esther even enjoyed a great game of solitaire.  For many years, she enjoyed attending sporting events that her children were involved in, and then she faithfully followed her grandchildren.  She was everyone’s great encourager.  Esther loved to travel and was always ready for a spur of the moment trip.  In recent years, Esther was able to enjoy temporary residence at the St. Johnsville Nursing Home.  She enjoyed all of the workers who cared for her, the residents she shared time with, and the nursing home ministry from Grace Church, who provided her comfort and consolation.  Her Pastors: Pastor Johnson and Pastor Torres were much appreciated.  The activities made the long days pass quickly.  Esther LOVED Bingo!

Survivors include her devoted husband, Richard.  Her dear brother, Morris Johnson (Debbie). Her children: Bonnie Waterman (Larry), Richard O. (Linda), John (Andrea Myers), Susannah Simmons (Robert), James (RoseMary), and Ronald.   Grandchildren: John Henry Hart (Lina), Kris Hart, Sara Gunderson (Todd), Dan Hart, Eric Hart (Joni), Alex Hart (Brittany), Andrew Hart, Emma Hart, Richard Hart (Kristina), Hillary Cool (Dustin), Amy Hart, Joseph Waterman (Heather), Jesse Hart (Jessi), Jacob Hart (Brittany), Sandy Dingman (Bill), Lee Simmons, and Michelle Hart.  She had 18 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her son, Patrick M. Hart and grandson Robert L. Hart.  

A memorial service will take place on Friday, February 17, 2023, at 11:00 am at the Grace Christian Church, 20 Center St., St. Johnsville, with Reverend David Johnson and Reverend Michael Torres co-officiating. Spring interment will take place in the West St. Johnsville Cemetery. There are no calling hours. Arrangements are under the caring guidance of the Vincent A. Enea Funeral Service, (next to the Masonic Lodge), 20 Bridge St., St. Johnsville, NY 518-568-7040. In lieu of flowers, please make all memorial contributions to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Envelopes will be available at the church.

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