Esther M. (Staples) Noel, 78 of Auburn, passed away on September 29, 2011 in her home.

Esther was born in Rockland, ME, daughter of the late Ralph C. Staples, Jr. and Alice E (Robbins) Staples. Her husband of 52 years, Raymond J. Noel, passed away in 2005. She was also preceded in death by her two sisters, Arline Hill and Jennie Callahan.

She is survived by daughter, Linda M. (Noel) McNeil her husband William McNeil of Charlton, and daughter, Cheryl A. Noel of Worcester; three granddaughters, Aimee Powlowski, Wendy Lashua her husband Donald Lashua and Kendera Noel O’Neill; six great-grandchildren, Jon Rumery, Bryant Powlowski, Brooke Lashua, Jarrid O’Neill, Jacob O’Neill and Rylee O’Neill. She has two sisters, Betty Mason of ME, Dianna Schofield and husband Skip Schofield of Spencer. She also leaves several nieces and nephews.

Esther attended Commerce High School in Worcester. She later went to work for Liberty Mutual Ins. Co. for over 20 years as a switchboard operator and as an administrator. She retired from Liberty Mutual in 1992 and went to Rob Roy Academy and received her state board license in Cosmetology. In 1993 she started working for WPI as a part time switchboard operator and retired from WPI in 2003. She enjoyed being with her family, collecting classic movies, reading and taking care of her house which she loved so much. She was a member of St. Joseph’s Church in Auburn and went to Mass every Sunday with her long time friend Pauline.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Tuesday, October 4, 2011 from 4-7 PM in the Britton-Wallace Funeral Home, 91 Central Street, Auburn. Her funeral will be held Wednesdaay, October 5, 2011 from the funeral home with a Mass held at 10:00 AM in Saint Joseph’s Church, 189 Oxford Street North, Auburn. Burial will be at Worcester County Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Scleroderma Foundation, 462 Boston St., Suite 1-1, Topsfield, MA 01983.