Esther Veronica (Terry) Lavache transitioned at home on Dec. 12, 2024. She entered this world on Nov. 8, 1969, in New Haven, Conn., to parents Annie Pearl Terry and the late Walter Paul Terry. Esther attended St. Aedan’s Grammar School where her brother Derek, her son Kenneth, and her daughters Kiarra and Candace attended as well. She attended St. Mary’s High School in New Haven where she graduated in 1988.
She enrolled at Southern CT State University (SCSU) where she received her BS in Accounting and later her MBA from Albertus Magnus College. Esther’s working career spanned 30+ years with the State of Connecticut when she began as a cashier at Off-Track Betting (OTB)/Teletrack on Long Wharf and most recently was a revenue examiner in the audit division of the Department of Revenue Services.
Esther, affectionately known as “Es,” “Poochie,” or “Iodine” was a foodie. Regardless of the destination, her first question when getting into the car was always, “Where are we going to eat?”
She loved spending time with her children and could be found on the weekends traveling I‑91, I‑95, or the Merritt Parkway to watch karate and dance competitions or basketball and volleyball games. She even flew to Florida and Croatia for dance competitions. (Way out of her comfort zone!)
Es loved the family feeling of her children’s activities. She was everyone’s team mom. Whatever the cause, she was sure to help and participate. She was always available to pick up the kids, drop off someone who needed a ride, or get a cup of coffee for a fellow parent.
Es was a friend to the end. She was honest and loyal. She especially enjoyed the friendship of her inner circle of “sisters” with whom she could share ups, downs, triumphs, joys, and a whole lot of peace. She also enjoyed her extended neighborhood families (Edwards, Mouzon, and Pettie), her daughters’ dance families, and her adopted big brothers throughout the years from Notre Dame High School.
Es was all about family and enjoyed her time sharing stories, laughs, and dining experiences with her loved ones. She’d travel to West Haven, Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Tuskegee for a good meal, a good time, and a good laugh!
Esther is survived by her mother, Annie P. Terry of New Haven, Conn.; her brother, Derek F. Hatten of Alexandria, Va.; her godmother, Goldie Jones of West Haven, Conn.; her children, Kenneth L. Ransome, Jr., Kiarra A. Lavache, and Candace M. Lavache, and her stepdaughter, Camille N. Lavache, all of New Haven, Conn. There are a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who are also feeling the loss of her presence.
The family would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to call, stop by, send cards, and pray for their strength during this difficult time.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, Dec. 30, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Community Baptist Church, 143 Shelton Ave., New Haven, Conn., 06511. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the church. Interment will follow in Beaverdale Memorial Park, New Haven. Services by Howard K. Hill Funeral Services, 1287 Chapel St., New Haven, Conn., 06511. To leave a message of comfort for the family, please visit our website at www.hkhfuneralservices.com