Esther R. Bass, 98, of Hancock, NY, died on Monday, April 15, 2024 at Guthrie Lourdes Hospital, Binghamton, NY, after a brief illness. Esther was born on March 4, 1926 in Archbald, PA, the daughter of Walter and Ethel (Hanstine) Black.

Esther always had dreams to become a nurse. In her teenage years, she became ill and wasn't able to finish high school. She worked at a silk mill in Archbald, PA, to save money and eventually attended the Brooklyn Caledonian Hospital School of Nursing. She was the only student in her class to be employed by the school following graduation. After the untimely death of her mother, Esther returned to Hancock, NY, and worked at Read Memorial Hospital for many years. She met her husband, Raymond Bass, a patient at Read Memorial, and they married in 1965. He predeceased her in 1991. Esther retired from Read Memorial but continued her nursing career as a private home health nurse, which she "retired" from at 84 years old.

Following retirement, Esther volunteered at events to provide bloodwork for community members at a reduced cost. She did this tirelessly for many years. Esther often made rounds to her "patients" around town, whether they wanted it or not. She often made phone calls to remind folks to take their medicine or to offer any help that was needed. She was even called upon at all hours of the day when someone needed medical help or had an emergency. Esther was always ready to help people. Nursing was her calling and she truly loved it.

Esther loved bird watching and kitties and she was a member of the Emory United Methodist Church for many years.

Surviving are her daughter, Debra Bass and domestic partner, Brian Weisberg; 2 sisters, Barbara and Anna Black; and 2 nephews, Craig and Mark Rockefeller. Esther was predeceased by 2 brothers, Emerson and Walter Jr. Black and sister, Helen Rockefeller.

Calling hours will be held on May 18th from 1PM-3PM followed by a memorial service at 3PM all at the Henderson-Biedekapp Funeral Chapel, Hancock.

Burial will be in French Woods Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Esther's name to the Town of Hancock Ambulance, P.O. Box 733, Hancock, NY, 13783.

Arrangements by Henderson-Biedekapp Funeral Chapel, Hancock.