Esther Sodeikes

Esther V. Sodeikes (nee Zayas), age 85, of Manahawkin, NJ, left this world on January 5, 2022.

Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, she resided in Manahawkin for many years. Prior to her retirement, Esther worked as an Executive Secretary for First National Bank, Toms River, NJ. She enjoyed traveling and got to see much of the world with her good friends and family.  She was a generous volunteer for many organizations and devoted member of St. Francis of Assisi Church, Brant Beach, NJ and St. Mary of the Pines, Manahawkin, NJ where she served Eucharistic Minster for both churches.

Even though her toughest battle was fighting cancer, her loving heart left a beacon of light for all the community.  She was a caring mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend.  She loved spending time in the kitchen creating delicious meals for her family and friends.  She loved her great grandchildren and found joy in being around them. Her cheerful attitude and bright smile will surely be missed by all.

Esther is survived by her daughter, Marie-Elena Sodeikes Pine and her husband Jim Pine, her granddaughters, Jennifer McMahon and her husband Daniel, and Kimberly Nolan and her husband Charlie.  She was a proud great grandmother to her four Irish tenors, Ashton, Zachary, Finnegan and Owen, as well as her additional great grandchildren through marriage, April, Evan, Dallan, and Reyna.

A memorial gathering will take place on Friday, January 14, 2022 from 10am until her Mass of Christian Burial, 11am at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 4700 Long Beach Blvd., Brant Beach, NJ 08008. Mass will be broadcast via Facebook live at https://www.facebook.com/maxwelltobiefuneralhome

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in Esther's name to St. Francis of Assisi Church at www.stfrancisparishlbi.org/donate