Erna Manchester

Erna Frances Manchester (Hiersche) of Ithaca, NY returned to her heavenly home on Friday, November 16, 2018 at the age of 91 following complications from a recent fall. She passed on quietly and in peace, surrounded by her loving family through her final days. Erna was pre-deceased by her sister Winnifred Keisman of Fryeburg Maine, brother Dexter Hiersche of Ludlow Massachusetts. Most recently her brother George Hiersche of Ludlow Massachusetts and earlier this year by her husband Clifford of 68 years, with whom she is now gloriously reunited.

Erna is survived by her beloved sister Ida Long of Pine Grove/Orwigsburg, PA; her three children: Laurie (Al Pickerd) of Cortland, NY, Carol of Candor, NY and Scott (Yvonne) of Nedrow, NY; seven grandchildren: Jeffrey, Mallory, Cassie, Shelby, Holly, Shari, and John; and four great-grandchildren (and one on the way): Nathan, Olivia, James and Zayne.

Erna was born June 13, 1927 to Albert and Pearl (Goodell) Hiersche of Ludlow, MA. The youngest of five children, she graduated from Ludlow High School, and before marriage worked locally as a bookkeeper. She met her future husband Cliff through his lifelong best friend and her brother-in-law Lawrence Kiesman. Cliff and Erna wed in 1950, and Erna worked at times with Cliff at Eastern States Farms Exchange in West Springfield, MA until they started their family in 1958. In 1966, the family moved to Ithaca, when Cliff accepted a position at Cornell University. In 1975, Erna returned to work as a bookkeeper at Oak Hill Manor Nursing Home in Ithaca, where she worked part time until the early 1990s.

Erna’s foremost love was her family, and treasured family get-togethers where she always had a camera in hand. Socially, she “especially” enjoyed bowling, which she did with her bright pink ball until her mid-80s. Her many other passions included; counted-cross stitch, wood furniture restoration, raising monarch butterflies and feeding the hummingbirds. She loved travelling with Cliff, visiting all 50-states and each of the National Parks. Erna was a faith-filled and active member of the Caroline Valley Community Church for over 50 years, where she served as longtime treasurer, church secretary and member of the bell choir.

A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, December 1 at 4 pm at the Caroline Valley Community Church, 546 Valley Rd, Brooktondale NY 14817 with a light food reception to follow downstairs. Pastor Dan Phillips will officiate. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Erna’s life. In remembrance, any donations in Erna’s memory may be sent to the Caroline Valley Community Church. Condolences may be sent to the family, who would like to thank the many who have known and been an encouragement to Erna throughout her rich life.