Trending
1943-2024
Penny Jo (Hess) Esterly, also known as "P.J.," 80, passed away peacefully Saturday, May 25, 2024 at the Reading Hospital with her loving husband Richard (Rick) at her side. She was born on June 10, 1943, and raised in Salem, Ohio, a daughter of the late Keith and Marguerite (Thomas) Hess.
P.J.s' greatest love was her family: Along with her husband, P.J. leaves behind memories to be cherished by her sons: Richard Esterly (wife Lan), Brian Esterly (wife Rose) and Thomas Esterly (wife Erin); her sisters: Peggy Gotschall, Jane Malmsberry and Mary Bell; and 10 grandchildren: Katie Alyssa, Chloe Te, Keith Thomas, Erica Stockwell, Ethan Richard, Ava Marie, Margaret Hess, Brendan James, Richard William, and Lewis Nelson.
She is predeceased by a sister, Kay Ann Steely.
P.J. worked as a nurse, giving care to the neediest. She was known for her kind and giving heart. She was absolutely near perfect for maintaining many connections, keeping in touch regularly with family and friends. One of her great passions was golf, and she regularly beat her husband and her son at the game. In addition, she also loved playing cards, and teaching each grandchild how to play Euchre as well as other board games, and her competitiveness at everything she did was legendary.
She loved to travel and take cruises, and she and Rick took the whole extended family on three different cruises - two in the Caribbean and one to the Mediterranean -- which made life-long memories for the family. Mostly, though, she just loved laughing and spending time with friends and family.
A viewing will be held on Friday evening, May 31, 2024 at the Warker-Troutman Funeral Home Inc., Pottstown, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. A morning viewing will be held on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at St. Thomas More Church, Pottstown, from 10 to 11 a.m. followed by a Mass. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Saint Thomas More outreach to provide for the needy.
Warker-Troutman Funeral Home Inc. is honored to serve the Esterly family.
5/31/24