Esther "Essie Shapiro" passed away peacefully June 1, 2009, in Charlotte, NC. She was born in Utica, the daughter of the late William and Ida Plotka Rosen. Essie attended Utica schools and graduated for Utica School of Commerce. In 1951, she married Dr. Robert Shapiro who passed away in 1973. Always interested in fashion, she started working for her uncles at College Hall. In 1948, Essie joined her brother, Philip, when he opened the Princess Shop and, in 1979, she became an owner. Retiring in 1993, she joined her children and grandchildren in Charlotte, NC. Essie always had a happy disposition. She is survived by her beloved children, Dr. Edward (Michelle) Shapiro and Dr. Dina (Spencer) Stolpen; four grandchildren, Roberta (George) Sperry, Hamilton (Lauren) Stolpen, and Lily and Reese Shapiro; four great-grandchildren, Natalie Rose, Rebecca and Matthew Sperry, and Campbell Stolpen; two sisters-in-law, Dorothy Nathan and Debby Rosen; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her two brothers, Philip Rosen and Jack Rosen. Her graveside service will be 10 AM, Friday, in Temple Beth El Cemetery, Wood Road, Whitesboro, with Rabbi Jeffrey Segall officiating. 