Esther A. Pletcher McGowen
October 19, 1927—July 4, 2024
Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY
Esther A. Pletcher McGowen, passed away on July 4, 2024 at the age of 96.
Esther was born on October 19, 1927 to Henry and Agnes Pletcher. She was one of 10 girls and 4 boys. She grew up in Wakarusa, Indiana. Esther married Robert McGowen on October 26, 1946.
In 1954, Bob and Esther moved to Syracuse, NY where they raised six children. Esther was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels in Syracuse for many years before becoming the director from 1966-1975. In 1975, she moved to Cornwall-on-Hudson. Esther had a passion to serve her community. She was an active member of the Cornwall United Methodist Church and Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh. When the manual labor became difficult for her to do, she continued to make treats for fellow volunteers, which often included her delicious homemade Rice Krispie Treats. Esther volunteered at Cornwall Hospital and the County Office of the Aging Seniors where she delivered meals to her peers until she was 93. Esther taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. She also gathered donations for many years for the Cornwall School District’s Backpacks for Food Program. Esther ran the Senior Program at Munger Cottage until her retirement. After Hurricane Katrina, Esther went for weeks to assist in rebuilding and renovations.
In June of 2018, at the age of 90, Esther was recognized by the Orange County Executive as Citizen of the Month. Article with additional information is as listed here: https://cornwall-on-hudson.com/news.cfm?page=9220.
Esther was predeceased by her loving husband, parents, and 11 siblings.
She is survived by her six children, Randy (Rachel), Charles (Patricia), Philip (Norina), Robert (Elyse), Steven (Roseann), and Elizabeth (Michael), as well as 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Sandy Bergin, of Charlotte, North Carolina, and Jo Stein of Chandler, AZ, and several nieces and nephews.
Her family would like to thank the staff at The Ingersoll Place and Community Hospice for their support and care of Esther.
The Cornwall Hope United Methodist Church will sponsor a Community Celebration in memory of Esther on Saturday, August 17th at 2:00 pm. The celebration will occur at the church at 198 Main Street in Cornwall.
Her family will gather in Indiana for a fall burial.
Donations in Esther’s memory can be made to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh, and Hope United Methodist Church in Cornwall, New York.
Esther will be greatly missed by all who loved her and everyone whose life she impacted, especially those who fondly called her Grandma or Gigi.