Esther A. Habarka

Esther A. Habarka, 85, of Shenango Twp., passed away on Friday, March 27, 2026, in Greystone Country Estates, Fredonia.

Mrs. Habarka was born on September 1, 1940, in Mercer, a daughter of the late John Rabold and Mabel (Phillips) Rabold.

A dedicated homemaker, Esther was an exceptional cook and an amazing baker. During the Christmas season, she made over 22 varieties of cookies and other baked goods, which she looked forward to giving to countless people. She also took great pride in keeping an immaculate home and helping her husband with their vegetable garden.

Her husband, Nickolas W. Habarka, Sr., whom she married on June 6, 1959, passed away on October 13, 2015. Prior to her marriage, she was employed at the former SS Kresge Store in Farrell.

She is survived by a daughter, Ann Miller and her husband, Charles; a grandson, Brenden Miller and his wife, Kaylie; a great-granddaughter, Josephine Miller, all of Shenango Twp.; a sister, Nancy Weilacker; and a brother, David Rabold and his wife, Pam.

In addition to her parents and husband, Esther was preceded in death by two sisters, Mildred DeSoto and Pauline Mason; and two brothers, Harry and John Rabold.

Esther’s family would like to thank the staff of Greystone and Medi Home Hospice for the kind and compassionate care.

The family suggests memorial contributions be directed to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Calling hours will be 10 to 11:30 Thursday (04/02/2026)in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 East State St., Sharon. 

Funeral service will immediately follow at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, in the funeral home, with Rev. Glenn Whitman, officiating.

Entombment: St. Rose Cemetery Mausoleum, Hermitage.