Esther M. (Campany) Branche

   Esther M. (Campany) Branche of Watertown passed away at Samaritan Keep Home, where she had resided for almost two years, on February 8, 2025 at the age of 99.

   Esther was born on East Road in Deer River on May 30, 1925, one of nine children of Geroge H. and Almina (Laribee) Campany.

   Esther graduated from Lowville Free Academy in 1942. In 1943 she attended Watertown School of Commerce. She then worked for Montgomery Ward from 1947 to 1949, followed by Sears, Roebuck & Co. until 1959. From then until 1972, she worked with Florence Hayes, her sister-in-law, doing bookkeeping.

   Esther married Allen G. Branche on November 27, 1958 at Holy Family Church with Msgr. Robert Lawler officiating. They built a family and a life, and together they purchased the LeRay Motel and Miniature Golf Course on Route 11, north of Watertown. They operated the businesses from 1972 until their retirement in 1997. From then until Allen's passing in 2014, they enjoyed spending winters in Deltona, FL and summers in Watertown.

   Esther is a former member of Holy Family and Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Churches. She enjoyed dancing, knitting, crocheting, and spending time with her grandchildren.

   She is survived by her three sons, Gregory A. and his wife Mary, Ithaca, Ronald I. and his wife Christine, Watertown, and Russell E. and his wife Jeannette, Arden, NC; seven grandchildren, Matthew, Ryan, Stephanie, Catherine, Gabrielle, Jessica, and Ronald; eleven great grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Esther was the last of her siblings to pass and was preceded in death by six brothers, Clarence, Harland, Bernard, Glen, Robert, and Floyd, and two sisters, Marion Sylvester and infant Charlene Campany.

   There will be no services as per her wishes. Burial of the couple in Brookside Cemetery will be at her family's convenience. Arrangements are entrusted with Cummings Funeral Service, Inc., Watertown and online condolences to her family may be posted at www.cummingsfuneral.com. In lieu of flowers, please make a charitable donation to your favorite charity in her name.

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