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. She went on to build a very rewarding career at American Express, for nearly 20 years, as a Sales Account Executive. She had no intention of working in sales, but when a friend asked Es to join her on an interview for moral support, the interviewer loved Essie’s charisma and she ended up getting the job instead of her friend.

She went on to win the top awards for Sales Excellence and was repeatedly recognized for her goal oriented mindset and overachieving work ethic. She could, quite literally, sell water to a fish.

In some part, you have Essie to thank for being able to use your American Express card at your local businesses. Her clientele consisted of restaurants and businesses on the west side extending from the South Street Seaport to the Upper West Side.

It was at the American Express Holiday party located at the “Windows on the World” at the top of the North Tower World Trade Center, where she would meet her then husband Randy McVane, and they would go on to have one beautiful daughter, Alicia.

Essie was the life of the party — her vibrant energy was truly unforgettable and her ability to make people smile was unmatched. She always left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

She was extremely intelligent and loved reading, cooking, listening to music, going to the theater, traveling, and watching sports. You could always catch her singing, cooking up yummy dishes, or watching Jeopardy and best believe she was always one of the first ones on the dance floor. Essie filled every room with joy, warmth, and love.

Her journey on this earth may have come to an end, but her spirit and influence will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of those she touched.

Essie is survived by her daughter, Alicia, (son-in-law Alex Casimir), her best friends/sisters Juliet and Jackie Europe and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews who will never forget the love she brought to their lives.

She is now reunited in eternal peace with her parents, Bill and Caroline, and her beloved brother, Bruce.

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