Mary Catherine Louise Esteron

We are heartbroken to share that our beloved Mary Catherine Louise Esteron passed away peacefully on October 10, 2024, surrounded by her devoted family: her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the love of many angels.

Mary was born on February 15, 1937, in Weston, West Virginia, to Eva McCarty and Revie Riggleman. She grew up in Pennsboro, West Virginia, where her father owned a glass-blowing factory. Adored by her older brothers, Frank and Chuck Riggleman, Mary embraced an adventurous and loving life.

She met her lifelong love, Isabelo Esteron, at a New Year’s Eve celebration in Washington, D.C., while he was serving in the U.S. Navy. They married on March 21, 1960, and shared 64 beautiful years together, moving from coast to coast and even spending two adventurous years in Australia. Mary embraced her husband’s Filipino heritage wholeheartedly, learning to cook adobo, pancit, and perfect lumpia. Wherever they were stationed, Mary made it a priority to join Filipino-American groups and events, always making friends along the way.

Mary attended Business College in West Union, where she honed her grammar and professionalism, leading to a career as a secretary in various businesses and military organizations throughout her life as a Navy wife. Known for her captivating stories and bright, generous spirit, Mary was surrounded by friends wherever she went. One of her great passions was bingo, where she formed lifelong friendships.

After military retirement, Mary and Isabelo settled in Washington State, most recently in Port Orchard. There, Mary’s love for gardening flourished, with flower beds, fruit trees, and berry bushes that brought her joy. Her home was filled with the scents of her homemade jams, berry pies, and crisps, which she lovingly shared with family and friends alike.

Faith was central to Mary’s life. She raised her children in the Catholic faith but joyfully attended various churches with her family, always fostering a spirit of love and acceptance.

Mary leaves behind her devoted husband, Isabelo, and her four cherished children: Mike (Debby), Nora (Craig), Timothy, and Edward (Tara). She will be deeply missed by her ten grandchildren, Jenna, Kayla, Isabel, Jonathan, Zachary, Joshua, Matthew, Joseph, Dylan, and Christopher, as well as her great-grandchildren, Madeline, Remy, Tucker, and Leah, all of whom held a special place in her heart.
In her final years, Mary found solace and companionship with the compassionate caregivers at Orchard Pointe Memory Care, who became like family to her and provided her with love and comfort.
Mary’s legacy of love, laughter, and generosity will be remembered always by all who knew her.