Esther DeFoor Tsetsilas, 93, of Derry, NH, formerly of Belgium, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Monday, November 23, 2020, at Hanover Hill Healthcare, Manchester, NH. She was born on February 17, 1927, a daughter of the late Cyril and Adele (Gobin) DeFoor. Esther emigrated to the United States in 1962, moving to Newton, MA. She married the love of her life Arthur Tsetsilas on November 22, 1964, and moved to Derry, NH. She became a US citizen on June 18, 1968. Esther had a real passion for her crafts and sewing. She also enjoyed cooking, flowers, playing Bingo and most of all her birds - all named Nanette. She was well loved at the Derry Parks and Recreation Department where she taught tai-chi. Esther was a communicant of St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Derry.
She is survived by her brother Jules DeFoor and wife Dolly of Derry, daughter Marie-Therese and grandson Pascal of Belgium, along with many stepchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family here and in Belgium. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Arthur N. Tsetsilas in 2005, and three brothers in Belgium.
Private funeral services will be held for the family at the Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium ,15 Birch Street, Derry. A public graveside service was held on Friday, December 4, 2020 at 11:00am in the Forest Hill Cemetery, East Derry Road, Derry. Due to State of NH guidelines, all guests are required to wear masks, minimize contact and maintain social distancing. Memorial contributions may be made to the Sonshine Soup Kitchen in Derry.