Esther Florence Nicholls Stiefvater

Esther Florence Nicholls Stiefvater, 77, a long-time resident of West Mifflin, PA and most recently of Gassaway, WV, passed away peacefully at J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital on January 22, 2021 after a short, but sudden, illness.

Esther was born on March 20, 1943 in Munhall, PA, the youngest of three children to the late Richard H. Nicholls and Florence Mae Moore Nicholls. As a Navy wife, she lived and raised a family in many different cities along the East Coast before returning to Pittsburgh. She worked many years for Thermal Industries before retiring to care for her elderly mother. Esther enjoyed camping and spent many summers in the Allegheny Mountains. She loved the campfires, social gatherings, camaraderie and friendships that developed among the campers, resulting in many lasting friendships.

In 2019 Esther moved to Gassaway, WV. In the spring of 2020 she was recognized by West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin as a “Hometown Hero” for her efforts sewing homemade masks to be used as PPE for healthcare and front-line workers.

In addition to her parents, Esther was preceded in death by her husband, James J. Stiefvater, and brothers, Richard H. Nicholls (Casey) and George D. Nicholls (Winnie). She is survived by her daughter, Heather Hardway (Larry) of Gassaway, WV; sons James Stiefvater (Kathy) and Douglas Stiefvater, both of Leonardtown, MD; and daughter, Dorene DeOrio (Rob) of West Mifflin, PA. She is also survived by six grandchildren, Kaitlyn Coucoules (Nicholas), Zachary Stiefvater, Victoria DeOrio, Mia DeOrio, Alex Hardway, and Tony Hardway, and four great-grandchildren, Dalton Hardway, Erin Hardway, Emma Hardway, and Lyle Hardway.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 13, 2021 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at Roach Funeral Home, 708 Braxton Street, Gassaway, WV, immediately followed by a celebration of Esther’s life.  Also a private memorial service will be held in West Mifflin on March 13, 2021 at the Westwood Golf Club, 825 Commonwealth Ave, West Mifflin, PA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Rosenbaum Family House, 30 Family House Drive, PO Box 8228, Morgantown, WV 26506 or to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, P.O. Box 91891, Washington, DC 20090-1891.

Words of comfort and fond memories may be expressed to the family at www.roachfuneralhome.com.