Esther Ann Gillan

Esther Ann Gillan, 87, of 15 Bridle Way, Sparta, died peacefully Saturday, January 16, 2016 at Morristown Memorial Hospital. Esther was born in Jersey City, New Jersey in 1928. She spent her childhood growing up in Flatbush, Brooklyn and was married to Michael J. Gillan in 1950. In 1957 the family moved to Saudi Arabia for her husband’s job with ARAMCO and they spent an exciting and unforgettable 13 years there. Esther worked for the Sussex County Clerk’s Office from 1985 to 1999 when she retired. She was predeceased by her husband Michael J. Gillan and her eight siblings.

Esther was an active volunteer throughout her life. She dedicated endless hours at both Reverend George A. Brown School and Pope John XXIII High School, Sparta throughout her daughters’ school years. She volunteered at Saint Paul’s Abbey and remained an active parishioner of Our Lady of the Lake Church in Sparta, helping to feed the needy through her constant cooking efforts.

She is survived by her daughters, Charlene Ann DeMarino and her husband Vincent DeMarino of North Valley Stream, NY, Maureen Gillan-Myer and her husband Scott Myer of Branchville, NJ and her grandchildren, Nicole, Vincent, Michael and Morgan DeMarino, Devon and Emma Myer and many, many nieces and nephews. As loving mother, grandmother and friend to many, she gave to others in the most selfless way.

Friends may call at the Goble Funeral Home, 22 Main Street, Sparta from 2-4 and 7-9 pm on Thursday, January 21, 2016. A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at Our Lake of the Lake Church, Sparta on Friday, January 22, 2016 at 10:00 am. Burial will be in the Sparta Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Pope John XXIII High School Angel’s Fund or Saint Paul’s Abbey, Newton, NJ.

www.goblefuneral.com