Esther Wilcox

Esther Louise Wilcox, 90, went home to be with her Lord on April 22, 2024. She is survived by her brother LeRoy Wilcox and his wife Patricia, sisters Sylvia (Wilcox) Merkel and Juanita (Wilcox) Beauman, as well as many cherished extended family and friends. Preceding her in death were her father Harold Wilcox, brother Nelson Wilcox, and mother Mildred (Sherman) Wilcox.

Esther was born in Binghamton, NY on November 12, 1933. From an early age, her life radiated with faith, compassion, and a love of learning. As a child, she took piano and organ lessons and would later play for her family church services. She also spent many childhood days outdoors, fishing and hiking with her father and siblings. One of her fondest memories was climbing Mount Marcy with them. She attended Binghamton Central High School, graduating with honors in 1951. She then pursued her dream of becoming a nurse by earning an RN license at Robert Packer School of Nursing in 1954. For many years after, she lovingly cared for her patients at Robert Packer Hospital and Waverly Hospital.

Esther was most passionate about sharing her love of God through song, and was both an advocate and a masterful player of the pipe organ. In 1964, she earned a Bachelors in Sacred Music degree from Ithaca College. While in school, she worked as an evening nurse supervisor at an area nursing home. Upon graduation, she was employed as an organist and music director for several area churches, including Dryden United Methodist Church, where she became a lifelong member. During the week, she worked at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine as a lab technician in the Neurology Department, and remained there until her retirement. In 1966, she purchased land in Dryden and proudly designed the home she would live in for nearly 50 years.

As a member of the American Guild of Organists, Esther showcased her talents at their Annual Members Recital. Through her musical affiliations, she had the great privilege of traveling throughout the US and Europe, most notably Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

Esther was also a member of the National Grange, and served as treasurer of the Dryden chapter. In her retirement years, she loved to travel and volunteer at local elementary schools, teaching children the art of music.

Please join us in celebrating Esther’s life on Monday, April 29th, at Hopler & Eschbach Funeral Home, 483 Chenango Street, Binghamton. Viewing will be held at 10:30 a.m., with funeral services at 11:00 a.m. Cemetery committal will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to charities close to Esther’s heart: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Shriners Children's Hospitals of Texas, and Doctors Without Borders.

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