Esther M. (Hillriegel) Walsh
Esther Marie Hillriegel Walsh, known for her steadfast love for the Lord Jesus and tender heart for the people around her, passed away on November 6, 2024 (age 83) in Albemarle, NC.
Born on November 2, 1941 in Margaretville, NY, Esther lived a full life of humble service. At an early age, she developed a love for music and served as a church pianist for decades. She was a first-grade teacher in Bristol, CT and worked at New York State’s Margaretville SOCR for fifteen years, caring for residents with mental illness. Until her battle with Alzheimer’s disease, she was an active volunteer at church and throughout Delaware County.
Esther’s educational path took her from the one-room Belleayre schoolhouse on Millbrook Road to Margaretville Central School, a bachelor’s degree at Berkshire Christian College, and a Master’s in Education at Western Connecticut State University. While in college, she met classmate Rev. S. Hayden Walsh and married him on September 27, 1969. Together, they had three sons and served the Lord in five different churches, including the Margaretville Advent Christian Church.
Esther was preceded in death by parents Harold and Leona (Wood) Hillriegel, husband S. Hayden Walsh, oldest sister Kathleen Avery, and older brothers Carlton Hillriegel and George Hillriegel, as well as brothers-in-law William Avery and Ernest Hanselman and sister-in-law Gail Hillriegel.
She is survived by her three sons: Samuel (Janelle) Walsh of Princeton, WV; Jeffrey (Rhonda) Walsh of Stanfield, NC; and Jonathan (Emily) Walsh of Mt. Vernon, IA. She is also survived by sisters Harriett Hanselman of South Kortright, NY; Caroleen (John) Hungerford of Gansevoort, NY; and Martha (Stan) Yin of Davis, CA; by brothers Harold Hillriegel, Jr. of La Habra, CA and Daniel (Carolyn) Hillriegel of Newport, VT; and by sister-in-law Joan Hillriegel of Yulan, NY. Also surviving are beloved grandchildren Benjamin, Megan, Isaac, Curtis, Ethan, Franklin, Joshua and Edwin Walsh. Her many nieces and nephews (and their families) were all in her thoughts and prayers.
The funeral service will be on Tuesday, November 19, at 1 p.m. at the Margaretville Advent Christian Church (109 Maple St., Margaretville, NY 12455) with Elder John Lehmann officiating. Committal will be at the Margaretville Cemetery Annex. The family appreciates the loving care from Bethany Woods Nursing & Rehabilitation Center and Hynes Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the Margaretville Advent Christian Church.