Obituary of Estella M. Lane

Estella Marie Newton Lane, born on July 15, 1927, to the late Eugene and Ida Lee Newton, peacefully embraced her heavenly reward on November 23, 2023. Growing up in a substantial family of fourteen children, Estella cherished her upbringing under her Godly parents, deeply rooted in Christ. Educated in Philadelphia, she graduated from William Penn High School and had a distinguished career, retiring from the Federal Government as a GS 13, and from Strawbridge & Clothier (later Macy’s). Having embraced Christ at an early age, Estella was a lifelong member of Mt. Zion FBH Church, contributing significantly to its life. She participated in various capacities, singing with the Celestial Choir, serving as the church musician, treasurer of the Finance Board, church clerk, and as the official MC for her Pastor's services. Renowned for her forthrightness, both in church and life, Estella's detailed, organized leadership extended to her impeccable appearance, always dressed elegantly and fragrant with Estee Lauder perfume. Besides traveling globally with her husband and friends, Estella especially relished attending church conventions with her sisters and Harold. In 1953, she married the late Riley Lane, Jr., and their union blessed them with one child, Denise Marie. The Lane family relocated to Willingboro in the early 1970s, where Estella resided until her passing. Her loyalty to the Newton family was unwavering, and she played a pivotal role as the family organizer, emphasizing the significance of family bonds. Estella's culinary talents were well-known, and her generosity extended beyond meals to aiding family members in various aspects of life. A vibrant social life saw Estella enjoying time with girlfriends and actively participating in her daughter's organizational events. Summers on Martha’s Vineyard were particularly cherished, marked by her class, grace, caring spirit, quick wit, and humor, making her the life of the party. Her grandsons, Andre Jr. and Justin Riley, were her pride and joy. Actively involved in their lives, she chauffeured them to school, brought them to church, and accompanied them to numerous activities. In her final days, Justin took on the role of her principal caretaker. Estella leaves behind her daughter Denise, grandsons Andre Jr. and Justin, great-granddaughters Lundy and Brooklyn, sister Dolores, sister-in-law Sarah, godchildren Adeline (Bethann) Colman, Daryl Alexander, and Morgan Moore, son-in-law Andre Sr., along with a multitude of nieces, nephews, and friends, all mourning the loss of a remarkable woman. Sorrowfully Submitted, The Family