Esther C. Pilles, 66, a life long resident of Southold, beloved mother, well-known educator and 27 year breast cancer survivor died on April 17, 2014 after a long and courageous battle with Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) and Leukemia.
Essie, as she was known to her friends, was the daughter of Richard F. Mullen, Sr. and Esther C. Mullen. Born in Greenport on March 25, 1948, Essie’s passion for learning and education began at a young age and continued throughout her life. A graduate of Southold High School she went on to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees from C.W. Post. Her love of academia as a student later translated into a love for her chosen vocation, teaching. Essie was a speech pathologist at Oysterponds Elementary School for over twenty years prior to retiring in 2005. She was a devoted educator and former president of the Oysterponds Faculty Association.
Essie will be remembered for her sense of humor, keen wit, generosity, intelligence and especially for the exceptional grace and courage she displayed in the face of adversity during her battles with cancer. Essie was an avid reader who enjoyed the theater, boating and dinner with friends. Her true joy was spending time with her children and her dogs.
Essie is survived by her two children, Amy Pilles of Rocky Point and Kristopher Pilles of Cutchogue; sister, Muriel Mothersele of Berlin, CT; brother, Richard F. Mullen of Southold; as well as extended family members and her dear friends.
Visiting hours are Tuesday, April 22 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Southold. The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 23 at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church. Interment will follow at St. Patrick’s R.C. Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting friends and family please consider donating platelets and joining the bone marrow registry in her honor. Be the Match Foundation.
