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  • Helping hands

    In lieu of flowers

    Please consider a donation to Mom's Funeral/Medical Expenses.
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Helping hands

In lieu of flowers

Please consider a donation to Mom's Funeral/Medical Expenses.
$3,610.00
of $10,000 goal
36 %

Obituary

Estoria Muriel Gittens McVane, my beloved mother, of Brooklyn, New York, passed away on Saturday January 24th, 2026 at Boro Park Rehab Center after a courageous and strenuous battle with Dementia.

Estoria, aka Es or Essie, was born on January 3rd, 1950 in Brooklyn to the late William (Bill) and Caroline Gittens. Her big brother, Bruce, was her protector.

Essie attended Erasmus Hall High School before attending Long Island University to major in English Literature. …

Personal note from Alicia

Thank you so much to everyone visiting this page. We will all miss Es tremendously and I'd love to have you share your favorite memories of her on this website. Photos and written memories are encouraged!

Updates

Update from Jan. 28, 2026

Thank you so much for everyone's support during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, I'd greatly appreciate if guests could donate to help with the funeral costs and pending medical bills mom accrued during her stay at Boro Park Rehab and Maimonides Hospital. No amount is too small. Thank you so much in advance.

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Memories & condolences

Favorites

What were Essie's favorite ways to spend free time?
She loved to cook, eat and dine out She was an avid reader, like to dance and love…
She loved to cook, eat and dine out She was an avid reader, like to dance and loved to trave…
She loved to cook, eat and dine out She was an avid reader, like to dance and loved to travel Estoria loved spendin…
What causes did Essie care about most?
Kindness smile and eyes
Kindness smile and eyes
Kindness smile and eyes
What were Essie's favorite performances to watch?
She had many things she liked especially if they could get us up dancing. She liked …
She had many things she liked especially if they could get us up dancing. She liked plays, goi…
She had many things she liked especially if they could get us up dancing. She liked plays, going out to jazz clubs and …
What was Essie's favorite color?
Red
Red
Red

Timeline

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Born

January 3rd, 1950
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Passed away

January 24th, 2026
Brooklyn

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Other key details

Method of disposition

Cremation

Harmony Funeral Home
Funeral services provided by

Harmony Funeral Home

Hospice care provided by

Boro Park Rehabiliation Center

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Ms. Estoria "Essie" McVane