December 28, 2021
Esther Mary Crewell Lavarnway Barton, 81; of Fulton passed away peacefully Tuesday morning at Oswego Hospital, Oswego, NY. She was born in Cherry Valley, NY to the late Vaughn and Loretta (Whiteman) Crewell. Mrs. Barton has been a longtime resident of Fulton, NY. She was a past employee with Nestle’s where she was fondly referred to as “Frenchie.” Her children remember always enjoying the chocolate that she brought home, especially at Easter time.
Esther was a member of the BPOE Elks Fulton Lodge #830 having been honored as Lady Elk of the Year in 1993. She had worked as a professional seamstress and had participated in the Memorial Day Parade having entered a float for Essie’s Sit and Stitch, her professional seamstress business. Esther loved to sing and dance and was also an avid bowler.
Mrs. Barton had a strong faith and solid Christian foundation and enjoyed learning about all religions. Her family recalls how she enjoyed being a “Domestic Engineer” because she was a fantastic cook, and someone who always took pride in keeping her home and gardens. As she got older her pride and joy was being “Nana” to her five grandbabies.
Esther was pre-deceased by her first husband Ronald J. Lavarnway and her second husband Cyril E. Barton. She was also pre-deceased by her siblings: Vaughn Crewell, Samuel Crewell, John Crewell, Doug Crewell, Teddy Moyer, June Moyer and Jean Moyer. Mrs. Barton is survived by her 3 children: Ronald J. Lavarnway of New Hartford, NY; Wendy (Ed) Knopf of Charlton, MA; Denise (Chris) Shatrau of Oswego, NY; 4 siblings: Jacob Crewell, James “Manny” Crewell, Jimmy Moyer, and Joanie Moyer; 5 grandchildren: Haley Shatrau, Daniel Shatrau, Abigail Shatrau, Melissa Knopf, Eddie Knopf; several nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Service will be held privately with a private Burial at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Fulton. While Esther adored her gardens and all flowers, we would love her memory to be honored by making any donations to: NAMI/National Alliance on Mental Illness; P.O. Box 49104 Baltimore, MD, 21297 or via the Memorial Link here https://donate.nami.org/EstherBarton or Meals on Wheels 70 Bunner St. Oswego, NY 13126
We will plan a celebration of her life in 2022.
So sorry for your loss!
Denise, Wendy and Ronny,
Sorry for this time of sadness. My memories of Essie are so darned fond, I have no words.
Take care.
Margie
She was such a bright light in my childhood, so full of love for her family and strangers alike. She had the most infectious laugh and the coolest car! Ronny, Wendy, & Denise, may you feel her love and that of your heavenly Father more now than ever, and may your sorrow give way to joy as you remember her and celebrate her life. all our love, Matt&Ash
Denise I am so sorry for your loss. ❤️
Wendy, Ed, Melissa and Eddie,
Thinking of you and sending lots of love and peace as you lay your Mom/Nana to eternal rest. What a beautiful legacy she has left in you.
Much love,
Kristen ❤️
Denise you are in my heart and prayer. Sorry for your loss continue to think of all the precious memories that you all shared with your mom.
Wendy – I’m so very sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and your family.
Kindly, Lisa
Wendy & family,
I am very sorry for you loss. My thoughts are with you.
I’m so sorry for your loss!! Praying and thinking about you!
Your friend and her family,
Edina, Lana and Jake Toth
So sorry to learn of Esther’s passing. She was a true Cherry Valley girl!!! She had such a beautiful voice!!! Her singing was unbelievable. I can still hear her. The Crewell family was iconic in Cherry Valley and South Valley. Such good peeps!!!! May Esther’s legacy live on in perpetuity and know that you
made a difference everyday! May God Bless you and your family.
Dr. JimPat McCarthy❤️☘️