Esther Illson
December 2, 2019

ESTHER ILLSON: On Monday, December 2, 2019 Esther Illson, loving mother of two children and devoted grandmother of 4 grandchildren, passed away at age 89. Esther was born in Pittsburgh on June 19, 1930 to Ethel and Meyer Laufe. Esther married Erwin Illson and they raised two sons. Esther graduated from the University of Pittsburgh, taught nursery school and subsequently went on to sell real estate which was one of her life’s passions. To Esther, selling real estate was not just a job, it was a core part of her life, and it enabled her to expand her broad and diverse circle of lifelong friends. Esther also loved the arts and music, and maintained an interest in areas as diverse such as Broadway show tunes and the Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild. Esther was preceded in death by her brother Leonard, and is survived by her two sons Jim and John, their spouses Inna and Peg, and grandchildren Dan, Rebecca, Greg and Stuart. Services at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., 5509 Centre Avenue, Shadyside on Thursday, December 5th at 11 AM. Visitation one hour prior to services, (10 - 11 AM). Interment Homewood Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Manchester Craftsmen's Guild Jazz Fund, 1815 Metropolitan Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15233.  www.schugar.com

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