Esther Vanier

ALBANY - Esther Vanier, 69 of Albany, passed away peacefully on June 22, 2022 with her two loving daughters by her side.

Esther was born on June 11, 1953 in Ancash, Peru, the daughter of Marina Salinas and the late Ceferino Huamancondor. Esther grew up in Trujillo, Peru and obtained her High School diploma at night while working as a live-in nanny during the day. Esther then moved to Lima, Peru where she continued her studies and became a seamstress and nurse's aide. In 1980, Esther emigrated to Albany, NY to work as a live-in housekeeper. A few years after arriving to the USA she met, fell in love with, and married Kevin Vanier in 1984. She was a stepmother to Jeanette and Jennifer Vanier, whom she cared for as her own. Esther went on to have two daughters, Bernadette and Stacey Vanier. Esther was a housewife and devoted herself to her children. She enrolled them into numerous extracurricular activities, took day trips, and always supported her children in every way possible.

Esther established a home cleaning business in the 1990s and retired in 2021. She was very proud of the fact that she became a US Citizen in 2002. Esther enjoyed tending to her garden, reading, listening to talk radio, and socializing with her friends. She loved spending lots of time with her grandchildren Rosalia and Elias. She was a dedicated abuela to them and they loved her so much. She was a devout Catholic and actively participated in her Church. She was a compassionate and considerate friend, often putting others before herself.

Esther was predeceased by Kevin Vanier, and her siblings Bernarda and Eulogio Huamancondor. She is survived by her two daughters: Bernadette Vanier (Jason Soto) and Stacey Vanier; two stepdaughters Jeanette Vanier and Jennifer (Jared) Jeffery; grandchildren: Andrew, Leila, Ariel, Rosalia, and Elias; sisters Olga and Flavia Huamancondor, and numerous half siblings. Esther is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She will be dearly and deeply missed by all who knew her.

Relatives and friends are invited and may call on Thursday, June 30th from 5-7 p.m. at New Comer Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd, Colonie. There will be a Mass of Catholic faith on Friday, July 1st at 10:30 a.m. at The Shrine Church of Our Lady of the Americas, 273 Central Ave, Albany and interment to follow in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery.