Esther M. Kotch

Esther Kotch, a long-time resident of Middletown, Connecticut passed away from Covid-19 on January 24, 2022. Passing away in Mount Laurel, New Jersey where she lived with her daughter Rosemarie, she was surrounded by loving family.

Esther was born on April 15, 1927, to her parents Nicolo and Rose Aletta in Middletown, Connecticut. Growing up during the Great Depression, she became a strong-willed and determined woman who overcame many obstacles in her life with a positive can-do approach. She married and raised four children and later went back to school to obtain her high school diploma. She was the first person in her family to graduate from high school and held a lifelong belief in the importance of education and hard work and instilled these beliefs in her four children. Esther enjoyed writing and frequently sent letters to her family and friends. She was a gifted storyteller and won a literary award for one of her short stories. She volunteered to teach English as a second language to non-native speakers through the Russell Library in Middletown and helped many new Italian immigrants gain a grasp of the English language. During the 1970’s, Esther began a career in real estate that lasted for over twenty years.

As a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Esther was an inspiration to her family.  She was always happy to welcome her family and friends to her home. She was a remarkable cook and enjoyed preparing an abundance of good food for everyone, with a knack for remembering each person’s favorite dish. For many years leading up to her passing, she showed her love by baking her special Italian cookies and sending them across the country to her family, friends, and to those she wished to thank for some kindness.  She shared her joy of cooking with her loved ones but never quite gave away the secrets of her favorite recipes.

Esther had a wonderful sense of humor and a contagious laugh. She often had those around her laughing uncontrollably. She had numerous hobbies including walking, reading mysteries and quilting. She created many beautiful handmade quilts that she gave to family and friends to commemorate special life events.

Esther was predeceased by her loving husband of 45 years, Thomas Kotch. She was also predeceased by her sons William Shingleton and Michael Shingleton. Esther is survived by her daughters, Denise del Busto and Rosemarie (Debbie) Fusco. She is also survived by seven grandchildren: William Shingleton, Nicholas Shingleton, Jeremy Shingleton, David Shingleton, Louis A. Fusco, Eric Fusco, and Nicole M. Fusco, seven great-grandchildren and her sisters Josephine Vonella and Natalie Cianci.

A memorial service is being planned in Connecticut for the near future. The family will notify loved ones when the service is scheduled.  The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider donating to Duke University Cancer Research at http://www.dukecancerinstitute.org/index.php/give