Mary Hackwelder

In her 100th year at the age of 99, Mary “Esther” Hackwelder surrounded by her family passed away peacefully on Sunday, Feb. 21, 2021. She is now with Jesus and all of her family and friends, who went before her, and every dog, cat and bird she ever loved.

Born Nov. 12, 1921, in Pittsburgh, Esther was the daughter of Anna Mercedes Ambrose and Thomas McAleer Hackwelder.

Esther graduated from Holy Rosary High School in 1939.

She was an operator at The Bell Telephone Co., and retired after 38 years.

She was a member of Corpus Christi and served on the parish council, and was a member of Christian Mothers and Ladies Guild. She was known for starting and running the church flea market, preparing and serving funeral dinners, providing angel tree gifts, feeding the homeless and volunteering where she was needed. She was a member of various other organizations.

Esther adored animals and was a director on the board of Animal Care and Welfare. Just as active and memorable in the last half of her life as she was in her youth, Esther earned awards for her work and compassion, even in her very last days when she was honored by Animal Care and Welfare, with an award for the longest member, volunteering for 50 years. She also volunteered at S.P.C.A., an organization of volunteers dedicated to promoting the humane treatment of animals. Esther was known to carry milk bones in her purse, as she was notorious for taking in strays.

Esther was a resident of Penn Hills most of her life, and moved to Butler in 2006 to be closer to her family. She was extremely proud to be the longest living Hackwelder.

Esther was a gifted and beautiful writer, and wrote many wonderful poems and stories. She was an avid reader and read several books at one time. Esther enjoyed gardening, flowers and all the beauty of God’s majesty. Through the years, she spent much time in Cambridge Springs on her father’s farm after he retired.

Creative, friendly, thoughtful and kind, Esther enjoyed being with people. She loved going out for a meal and enjoying the company of those at the table. Esther took pleasure in the simple things of life: a cup of tea with cream and nine sugars, peanut butter ice cream, all sweets, a good book, and a dog in her lap.

Esther had infinite interests, including history; World War II, Japanese painting, tai chi, learning and teaching magic tricks, playing the harmonica, stamping and making crafts. Shopping was one of her biggest joys, along with collecting and amassing everything. Esther delighted in shopping and liked a bargain. She preferred Dollar Tree over Dollar General, and spent many hours at church bazaars, rummage sales and clearance racks.

All who knew Esther were richly blessed by her long and fruitful life. Although not rich in money, she would always say she was rich in friends. Not many people become Facebook famous in their hundredth year of life, but this is just one of the many accomplishments that Esther achieved. She had over 200 followers, who enjoyed her wisdom, faith and humor. Over the years, Esther endeared many, and she will be remembered as EVERYONE’S Aunt Esther.

Esther will be deeply missed by her beloved niece, Esther (Joe) Radvinski of Lyndora; her cherished great-niece, Hope Radvinski of Lyndora; her nephews, Raymond Hackwelder of Las Vegas, William Hackwelder of New Wilmington, Thomas (Gina) Hackwelder of Fenelton, Thomas Connor of Pittsburgh, Kenneth (Debbie) Connor of Gibsonia, and Keith Connor of West Newton; 13 great-nieces and great-nephews; and 15 great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews.

The family wishes to thank Esther’s friends new and old, who faithfully sent her cards. We also wish to thank the nurses, nurses’ aides and staff of The Orchard at Concordia and Good Samaritan Hospice, who cared for her with friendship and love, and for making every effort to make her as comfortable as humanly possible during the last few years of declining health. In her own words, “Think of your hands as the hands of Christ.”

Esther was preceded in death by her twin brothers, William Hackwelder and Daniel Hackwelder,; her sister, Ann Connor; and an infant brother, Robert Hackwelder.

HACKWELDER — Visitation for Mary “Esther” Hackwelder, who died Sunday, Feb. 21, 2021, will take place at 9 a.m. Saturday followed by a Mass of Christian burial to be celebrated at 10 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church, 718 Franklin Ave., Pittsburgh. The Rev. David Taylor, pastor, will be officiating.

Masks should be worn and social distancing should be followed.

A private burial will follow at Twin Valley Memorial Park in Delmont.

Funeral arrangements are being provided by Geibel Funeral Home, Butler.

Flowers are not permitted at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Animal Care and Welfare, P.O. Box 8257, Pittsburgh, PA 15218, or The Orchard at Concordia, 104 Concordia Way, Butler, PA 16001.

Additional information can be found at www.geibelfuneralhome.com.