Plan for the Future
On September 11, 2023, Esther Grace Manara Passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born on November 26, 1931 to her parents, Charles Frederick Sauer and Henrietta (Moeller) Sauer. Esther grew up in Pluckemin, NJ with her 2 sisters and brother, all of whom she is predeceased by, Ellen S. Donnelly, Mildred E. Bohrer & Charles Sauer.
Esther is now reunited with the love of her life, her husband, Captain Vincent Joseph Manara, Jr., whom she was heartbreakingly widowed by on May 10, 2013. Esther married her soulmate, Vince on June 8, 1952. She absolutely adored Vince and her role in their house as a Navy Wife and loving mother to her 3 children that they cherished, Theresa Esther Scozzafava (Charles), Susan Jeanne Coughlin (Robert), and Vincent Joseph Manara III (Stephanie). Esther also leaves behind 4 Grandchildren, whom she loved spending time with, Jennifer Scozzafava-Jones (Evan), Stephanie Grace Manara, Robert Thomas Coughlin, and Carly Manara Gregory (Ryan). In addition, Esther leaves behind her 5 Great-Grandsons, Derek Angelo Jones, Alexander Robert Jones, Ethan Charles Jones, James Vincent Gregory, and Griffin Paul Gregory.
She loved her time with her family, especially their holiday gatherings and beach vacations in Duck, NC, which were filled with quality time spent together, enjoying her delicious meals and famous baked goods, with so much love and laughter.
Esther traveled the world with her family during Vince’s career in the Navy and they lived in many different states across the United States. When Vince retired, they enjoyed their time together and Esther loved traveling the world, seeking new adventures with her loving husband. They visited many countries together and all 50 states. Esther was very adventurous and took up aviation at a young age, she enjoyed flying over her childhood home. She also loved art as a hobby of hers, of which she was quite talented. She could always find the beauty in the world around her and create it on her canvas. Esther was a phenomenal seamstress – a few of her hats and gowns were bought by NYC designers. She also was great at knitting and crocheting and made beautiful blankets and clothes. Esther loved gardening and had an incredible eye for flowers and their arrangements.
Esther is known and will be remembered by all for her kind and giving soul. She loved her husband, family, friends, and Navy family with her whole heart. Her kindness and thoughtfulness were incredible, she chose to always see the good in the world and the good in people and lived in a way that we all strive to emulate.
In Lieu of flowers, please kindly make a donation to Hospice of NJ or Veterans of America.
