Ester Clelia Holt, 96, left this earthly plane and joined her heavenly family on Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2016.
She spent her last days in the loving care of the Northeast Florida Community Hospice in Fernandina Beach surrounded by her five children, her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren.
Ester was born in Sant’Apollinare, Italy, on Sept. 23, 1920. Her mother, Latizia Neri Assante, her father, Erasmo Assante, and her three brothers, Joseph Assante, Harry Aris and Carl Assante, came to the United States in 1929 through Ellis Island.
Ester served honorably as one of the WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) in the United States Navy during World War II.
Those who knew Ester will remember her loving devotion to Jesus Christ, her Savior, and her unwavering faith.
Ester is survived by her children, Gaylynn Holt Brenoel (Michael), Gary Holt (Cheryl), Deborah Holt, Peter Holt (Antoinette) and Mary Holt Speir (Randy); grandchildren, Lance Lucas (Mandy), Shawn Lucas (Samantha), Garrett Holt (Melissa), Tage McMann, Maria Holt LeStrange (Jeff), Carolyn Holt Woodard (Chris), Jeff McMann, David Holt (Yasi), Ian Speir (Breanna), Amy McMann Black (Ken), Elizabeth Speir Willis (Keith), Courtney Speir Jemison (John) and Daniel Speir; and great-grandchildren, Austin McMann, Lisa Lucas, Nolan Willis, Alesia LeStrange, Cameron Vespoli, Abi Lucas, Ryleigh Holt, Seth Speir, Lydia Woodard, Jenna LeStrange, Gavin Holt, CJ Woodard, Abigail Vespoli, Isaac Speir, Evelynn Speir, Olivia Lucas, Olivia Jemison, Branson Willis, baby John Jemison and baby girl Lucas.
She touched the lives of so many people and leaves her friends with the gift of wonderful memories of her love and friendship.
She was laid to rest at Greenlawn Cemetery at 4300 Beach Blvd. in Jacksonville on Saturday, Nov. 12.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Northeast Florida Community Hospice, 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257. Specify Fernandina Beach location. Donations may also be made to Jews for Jesus (http://jewsforjesus.org) 60 Haight St., San Francisco, CA 94102.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Baptist Medical Center Nassau and Northeast Florida Community Hospice for their loving care and support and to the U.S. Navy for the beautiful graveside service honoring Ester Holt’s service in WWII.