Esther Ann Sarafian, Passes at 103

Esther Ann Sarafian, Passes at 103

Esther Ann Sarafian, the last and third youngest of twelve children, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 13, 2021, just short of 104 years old. She was the daughter of Santo Panciera and Amalia Molin (Pradel) who immigrated from Northern Italy in the early 1900s.

She was raised in Westerly and spent her first 51 years as a hardworking, active member of the Westerly community. In 1946, she married James Sprengelmeyer, and the couple were blessed with three children: Joseph (deceased), Emily Lacroix (Stefan), and Sandi Olivier (Tom). When James lost a battle to cancer at age 39, Esther took on the duties of single mom until she met and married Dr. John Sarafian years later. She then moved to Warwick where she lived for over 40 years and became stepmom to John’s children, Miriam (deceased) and John Jr. (Nancy). Esther leaves behind five grandchildren, Lindsay, Amy, Sachem, Zachary, and Brian, and seven great-grandchildren.

As a girl, Esther’s athletic abilities and love of sports emerged. She played basketball, baseball, and ran track. In mid-life, she became an avid golfer, winning numerous awards and was a member of several golf courses. She was also a devoted Red Sox fan. Many were inspired by Esther’s athletic ability, strength, physical stamina, fun-loving ways, and active engagement with life right up until her final days. More importantly, however, friends and family will remain inspired by her strong moral character, her deep faith and spirituality, her kindness and compassion for others, and her strong dedication to family.

Her family will be forever grateful for all of the loving care Esther received from the Staff of Scandinavian Assisted Living for 12 years and Westview Healthcare Center for the past year.

Her Funeral will be held on Monday, October 18, 2021, at 9 am from The Urquhart-Murphy Funeral Home, 800 Greenwich Avenue, Warwick with a Mass of Christian

Burial to be celebrated at 10 am at St. Gregory the Great Church, 360 Cowesett Rd, Warwick.

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Interment will take place at St. Sebastian Cemetery, Westerly.

Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 4 pm -7 pm on Sunday, October 17, 2021.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hasbro Children’s Hospital, Rhode Island Hospital Foundation Development Office PO Box H Providence, RI 02901, or Little Sisters of the Poor, Development Office, Jeanne Jugan Residence, 964 Main Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860.