Esther Marie Hauber

Esther Marie Harrison Hauber, 74, went home to be with the Lord on July 1, 2026, passing peacefully at her home with her family by her side. She was born on April 6, 1952, in Bradenton, Florida, and was the beloved daughter of the late Frank and Clara Harrison.

A lifelong resident of the Bradenton area, Esther graduated from Southeast High School before earning her cosmetology license. She began her career as a hairstylist, but her greatest accomplishment and deepest joy in life was becoming a mother and raising her family. Her children were the center of her world, and she devoted her life to loving, supporting, and caring for them. Nothing made her happier than having her family together.

Later in life, Esther found another calling. She worked as a paraprofessional at Orange Ridge-Bullock and then Rogers Garden Elementary, caring for medically fragile students. She treasured the opportunity to educate and care for those children, bringing compassion, patience, and kindness into their lives each day.

Esther loved expressing her creativity. In her younger years, she enjoyed creating ceramics, and later she found joy in stamping, scrapbooking, and card making. She also loved spending time outdoors and found peace in nature. Some of her happiest moments were spent vacationing in the Smoky Mountains, exploring waterfalls, camping, and enjoying the beauty of God's creation.

Esther is survived by her longtime companion, Richard James Pittman Jr., who shared much of her life's journey since 1984.

She leaves behind her children: Jennifer, wife of Dan Condom; Julie, wife of Scott Strong; Daniel Hauber, husband of Darcy; and Jamie Pittman. She also lovingly raised her granddaughter, Jessica Walter.

She was a proud grandmother and great-grandmother to 11 grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren. Her family was her greatest source of pride, and she cherished every opportunity to spend time with them. She was also a proud aunt to her many nieces and nephews.

Esther is also survived by her brother, Frank Harrison of Longboat Key; her brother, Ted Harrison of Blairsville, Georgia; and her sister, Betty Douglas of Myakka City. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Clara Harrison, and her brothers, Larry Getch and Jerry Getch.

Those who knew Esther will remember her for her gentle heart, creative spirit, quiet strength, and unwavering devotion to her family. She had a gift for making others feel loved and cared for, whether through her creativity, her nurturing nature, or simply by being there when she was needed most. Her kindness touched the lives of many, and her legacy will live on in the family she cherished above all else.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Manatee Baptist Church. Family and friends are invited to gather to celebrate Esther's life, share memories, and honor the remarkable woman she was.

Though deeply missed, Esther's love, compassion, and the countless memories she created will remain forever in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.