Esterina Elia

Esterina Elia née Mancuso, the daughter of Salvatore and Serafina, was born in Celico Italy on August 5, 1933. She came from a family of three brothers, Giuseppe (Olimpia) (pre-deceased), Franchino (Aurora) and Egidio (Nella). On May 25, 1966, Esther and her late husband Francesco journeyed from Italy to America and settled in Chicago. Esther made a home life for her young family and raised her children with the heritage and traditions that she cherished. Esther would welcome family and friends in her home with traditional Italian hospitality of homemade tomato sauce, pasta, cookies, espresso, and love.

Esther passed away on May 5, 2024, at the age of 90 years. She is survived by her children, Eugene, Maria Pina (Victor) Molfese, Salvatore, Loredana (Mark) Higgs, and her eight grandchildren, Joshua, Anthony, Stephanie, Nikki (DJ), Jennifer, Rebecca, Adam (Isabelle), Brittany, and three step grandchildren, Nicolo (Melissa), Cristina (Westley), and Jeremy (Lia). Five great grandchildren, Frankie, Brycen, Cameron, Hailey, Vitorio and seven step great grandchildren, Ariana, Nicolo, Rosabella, Rosalie, Giovanni, William, and Vincenzo.

Memorial service will be held at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Cemetery at the Mausoleum Chapel, May 7, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. 1500 S. State Road 7, North Lauderdale, 33068.