Esther S. (Smith) Briere

Esther Briere, 89, of North Windham, died peacefully at St. Joseph Living Center on February 22, 2017.  She was born on November 19, 1927 to John Jackson Smith and Ester (Lester) Smith.  Esther was beloved wife mother and grandmother.  She was predeceased by her husband Albert Briere for whom she cared and loved, her daughter Sandy Hanko and sister Elizabeth Moshier.  She was also predeceased by her late in life knight and shining armor Clinton Grylls, Sr.  Esther grow up in Mansfield and was part of the Grange in her early years, sang and sold War Bonds and was an air raid spotter at UCONN in World War II. She worked for many years at UCONN and was often the recipient of office pranks as she had such a great sense of humor.  Esther spent many years in the legion of Mary and as part of St. Mary’s Guild.  She always was there to listen and always ready to go out to eat, enjoyed breakfasts with many friends and enjoyed deck parties.  Esther loved to laugh, listen to music and play the organ.  She was always taking and developing pictures of her family.  Esther loved to dance, play cards and travel to Cape Cod and Narragansett with her beau.  She considered Clint’s children as hers as well.  She loved going to his daughter Martha and her husband Kenneth’s home and having visits from his children Steven, Tim, Clint Jr. and Billy.  Esther is survived by her daughter Annette Galipeau and her husband Dennis; nine grandchildren Michael Galipeau (Sarah), Daniel Galipeau, Robert Galipeau, Kathleen Apuzzo (Scott), Timothy Galipeau, Marc Scheuer (Tammy), Steve Scheuer, Karen Danko and David Scheuer; seven great grandchildren Dylan Galipeau, Audrina Apuzzo, Katie and Ryan Danko, Vicki and Brooke Scheuer, Michael Paul Scheuer.  The family wishes to thank St. Joseph Living Center for their loving care and especially Kelsey, Ray, Monroe and Sarah.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Joseph Living Center, 14 Club Rd., Windham, CT 06280.  Esther’s family will receive relatives and friends on Friday February 24, 2017 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St., (Rte. 195), Willimantic, CT.  Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday February 25, 2017 at 10:00am at St. Mary Church, 46 Valley St., Willimantic, with burial to follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Windham.  For an online memorial guestbook please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com.          

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