Esther O. Shaifer

Published 12:01 am Thursday, June 28, 2018

March 2, 1921 – June 26, 2018

NATCHEZ — Services for Esther O. Shaifer, 97, of Natchez, who died Tuesday, June 26, 2018, at Merit Health Natchez, will be 11 a.m. Friday at St. Mary Basilica with the Rev. Leopold Keffler officiating.

Burial will follow at the Natchez City Cemetery under the direction of Laird Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until time of service Friday at the church.

Mrs. Shaifer was born March 2, 1921, in Plaquemine, La., the daughter of Nere’ Hanson Ourso and Alma Marionneaux Ourso.

She was a Pink Lady at Natchez Regional for 32 years, taught students with dyslexia, volunteered at St. Mary’s as a greeter and was a member of the altar society for a number of years. She was an honorary member of the Women of the Moose and a member of the 5-0 Club.  She was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great- grandmother.

Mrs. Shaifer was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Paul Shaifer; one son, Gary Shaifer; one daughter, Gwen Shaifer; and four brothers.

Survivors include two daughters, Andrea Shaifer of Kenner, La., and Darcel Angelloz and husband, A.J., of Grosse Tete, La.; two sisters, Olga Hymel and Mary Alma Gossett, both of White Castle, La.; six grandchildren, Duane Verucchi and wife, Angie, of Brandon, Brian Shaifer and wife, Danette, of Denver, DeeAnn Case and husband, Terry, of Ashland, Mo., Haley Walker and husband, Eric, of Thibodeaux, La., Luke Wallace and wife, Denise, and Emily Hymel and husband, Brad, all of Geismar, La.; a number of  great-grandchildren; special friend, Donna Martello; and her adopted daughter, Clara Wright.

Pallbearers will be Duane Verucchi, Brian Shaifer, Guy Hymel Jr., Luke Wallace, Eric Walker, Brad Hymel and Tre Hymel.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at lairdfh.com.