Mary Esther Connor

Mary Esther “Essie” Engle Connor, 93, of Frostburg, died peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, February17th, 2024, at the Sterling Care Frostburg Village home.

Born on April 12th, 1930, in Frostburg, she was the daughter of the late Walter L. Engle Sr. and Alice Engle. Esther was also preceded in death by her husband, Joseph E. Connor; son, David R. Connor; and twin brother, Walter L. Engle, Jr.

Described by her children as the embodiment of unconditional love, Esther was an exceptional mother, wife, grandmother, and mother-in-law. Her laughter was contagious, her sense of humor was sharp, and her love for others was boundless.

On top of being a loving mother and grandmother, Esther was also an accomplished educator. After teaching elementary school students for over a decade, she decided to pursue a graduate degree-eventually earning her master’s degree. She then went on to become an elementary school principal. In a letter to her granddaughter, Esther described teaching and working with children as immensely fulfilling.

Esther was also a passionate lover of music. In college, she toured with the Maryland Singers, and in her senior year she even gave a piano recital. On top of these accomplishments, throughout her career as an educator, she regularly served as a pianist for school productions and performances.

Esther’s love of music also channeled into her parenting and combined with her passion for education, resulted in the publication of her self-illustrated children’s book,” Music is Fun” by Carlton Press in New York. The book, which was borne out of attempts to help her daughter Karen with her piano lessons, strove to get children interested in music, even going so far as to teach them the basics of musical theory.

Esther is survived by two loving children, Douglas L. Connor and Karen J. Connor; two adoring grandchildren, Rochele L. Willis and husband Justin, and Dr. Morgan Connor; two great-grandchildren, Jace E. Willis and Raegan L. Willis; nieces Roxanne Sanford and husband David and Leslie Weaver; and many more cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Interment will be at Rocky Gap Veterans Cemetery alongside her late husband at a later date.