Obituary published on Legacy.com by Haughey Funeral Home, Inc. on Oct. 15, 2025.
Esther Ethel Stanton, affectionately known to many as Mom, Mommy, Gram, or Mamaw, (just never Ethel) was a resilient soul who lived her life with a spirited energy that radiated warmth and love. Born on February 23, 1932, in Hornby, NY, Esther's life was a testament to her compassionate nature and unwavering faith. At the heart of Esther's existence were three core pillars - her family, her profound love for God, and her desire to let others know of Jesus' love for them.
Esther was a loving mother to her sons, Edwin (Mary) and Keith Stanton, and daughter, Candace (Gary) Hart, and a cherished grandmother and great-grandmother to many. She was a beloved sister to Ruth (Melvin) Smith and Grace Campbell. Also, a loving aunt to many nieces and nephews. Esther was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Ethel Cook, her brothers - Paul, Mahlon Sr., and Walter Jr., her sisters - Carrie Mae, Beulah, and Doris, her daughter-in-law, Dinone Stanton; grandson, Dylan McCain; granddaughter, Kimberly Stanton-Carroll, and great-grandson JoSeth Stanton. Esther's life was a beautiful tapestry of love and service, woven with threads of resilience, compassion, and a spirited zest for life.
In her professional life, Esther was a dedicated sales associate in retail, her hard work recognized through numerous awards and pins. Her hobbies included enjoying ice cream, trips to Keuka Lake, and visiting The Windmill, simple joys that brought her immense happiness. But it was her indomitable spirit that shone the brightest during the flood of 1972, when she opened her home to house 53 people.
A long-standing member of Riverside/Victory Highway Wesleyan Church since 1967, Esther's religious involvement was multifaceted; from serving in the choir, Lay Evangelism, Bus Ministry, Prison Ministry, to running the nursery for 11 years and Angel Food Ministry.
Calling hours for Esther will be on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Haughey Funeral Home, Inc., located at 216 East 1st Street,
Corning, New York, 14830. A Funeral Service will follow at 1:00 pm. Burial will be held in Coopers Plains Cemetery.
We invite you to join us in celebrating the life of this remarkable woman. As we gather to remember Esther, we encourage you to share your memories and upload photos to the memorial page, a tribute to a life lived with love, faith, and resilience. Esther's spirit remains a beacon of love and compassion; her memory forever etched in the hearts of those she touched. May her legacy continue to inspire and uplift us all. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Esther's name to the Children's Ministry at Victory Highway Wesleyan Church, 150 Victory Highway, Painted Post, NY 14870.