Esther C. Palermo

(nee Tonella) On December 17, 2018 of Pennsauken.  Age 85.  Beloved wife of Rocco J.  Devoted mother of MaryAnn Exler (Raymond) and Andrew Palermo.  Loving grandmother of Gabrielle, Adrianna and Giovanna.  Dear sister of Lucy Pensabene.

Esther grew up in Pennsauken NJ and went to Merchantville Elementary and High School. Upon graduation she attended Moore College of Art and was a Fashion Design major. She graduated in 1955…and was Professor of Fashion Design her first year out of college.

She met her future husband Rocky as a result of a blind date set up by one of Rocky’s PMC cadet buddies. They went together on another couple group dates and then Rocky enlisted in the Air Force. While he was stationed in Alaska he started to write Esther and upon discharge they reconnected and were soon engaged. They married
at St. Peter’s in Merchantville NJ Nov, 21, 1959 and welcomed Mary Ann in Oct 1960 and then Andy in 1961.
Esther’s life was her children and her church. She volunteered for everything and anything at St. Pete’s but mostly she loved and adored her kids. In 1970 she started as a sub for the Pennsauken School System. There she stayed until 2013. She was a jack of all trades there – the sewing teacher, the art teacher, a Non teaching assistant,
the head of in school suspension and just a constant presence decade after decade to that school and it’s students and Staff. Ask anyone who attended the junior high during those years and they will say, “I remember Mrs. Palermo!”

Esther had the 3D mind of an engineer and the creative flair of an artist. She adored her granddaughters and bragged endlessly of their accomplishments. She was feisty, cantankerous, stubborn and a whirlwind of energy and delight. She loved her family, friends and her faith and she will live on in her children, grandchildren, and future great grandchildren to come. She is missed tremendously.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her viewing Saturday 9:00-11:00 am at St. Charles Borromeo RC Church, 176 Stagecoach Rd., Sicklerville, NJ 08081.  Mass of Christian Burial 11:15 am.  Entombment, All Saints Cemetery, Newfield.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Esther’s memory may be made to St. Charles Borromeo RC Church at the above address.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.egizifuneral.com

“A Life Well Lived Is Worth Remembering”