ESTHER ROSE CALVANICO CIMINO JANUARY 1, 1925-SEPTEMBER 25, 2018
Esther was raised in an Italian immigrant environment on the East Coast of the United States defined by new opportunities and hard work. She valued her heritage and background and passed that appreciation on to her family.
Growing up in Jersey City, New Jersey, Esther excelled in school, graduated early, and the love of learning drove her commitment to education all of her life, constantly learning new things for herself and teaching others.
Esther always worked hard to balance her dedication to both her church and family. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother.
In the context of her spiritual commitment, Esther created her role as a ministerial partner. She married Ralph, and together they pastored in the United States for over 10 years, and subsequently dedicated themselves to the mission field in Nigeria for 35 years where they created a training methodology that wove together spiritual leadership and practical life skills. Esther punctuated her spiritual leadership by becoming an ordained minister in 1966.
Esther was a teacher and wrote the textbooks for the courses she taught at the bible school. She also wrote a book on etiquette and she cross-trained in practical, commercial courses including typing and shorthand.
Esther authored a book about her inspirational life experiences and her love of God.
Esther was a music lover. She enjoyed classical, secular and religious music and was an accomplished musician on the piano and the accordion.
Esther was a great cook, passing on the Italian traditions of cooking and enjoyment of food at every possible opportunity. This included, as part of her authorship, documentation of many of her famous, handed-down and newly-created recipes.
Esther was a world traveler, not ever hesitating to travel to previously enjoyed destinations or new adventures.
Esther was also an accomplished photographer, home decorator, home manager, a gracious hostess.
Esther was above all, a beloved daughter, sister, aunt, wife, mother, grandmother and friend.
She will be missed by those who knew her.
Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. Monday, October 1, 2018, in Greenlawn Funeral Home North, with burial to follow, in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. No visitation is planned. Esther requested, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ralph L. and Esther Cimino Scholarship Fund to assist students in pursuing theological studies. Please make out the check to Evangel University and address it to : University Advancement Office: 1111 North Glenstone Avenue, Springfield, Mo. 65802, Attention: Sarah Clark.