Community Advocate Esta-Ann Baitler Mourned

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — Longtime community advocate Esta-Ann Baitler died May 5 in Suffern. She was 66.

"Esta-Ann was one-of-a-kind and a shining example of what people with disabilities can do if given a chance to speak and be heard, an opportunity to participate in the workforce, and a turn at the podium to keep government responsive," said Rockland County Legislator Harriet Cornell. "Rockland County was and will continue to be a better place because of Esta-Ann Baitler’s contributions."

Baitler led a long campaign to have a walking path installed along busy Route 304 in Sparkill.

"Her successful effort to get a new sidewalk installed was not only admirable but addressed a community concern," Cornell said. "Four years later, there was a safe walkway for Venture residents and the general community, including students and staff at nearby St. Thomas Aquinas College, along a part of Route 340 in Sparkill. In acknowledgement of her efforts, a portion was named Esta’s Way in her honor."

Orangetown proclaimed Esta Baitler Day in December 2011.

"Esta-Ann may have been differently-abled, but she never tired of being an active member of the community, regularly attending Orangetown Town Board and Rockland County Legislature meetings to voice her thoughts on what government needed to be doing. She often followed up with calls to the local newspaper to generate support for her endeavors," Cornell said.

Esta-Ann spent many years working at the Kathy Lukens Independent Living Center, part of Camp Venture, which is now known as Venture Together. She spent most of her life advocating for Venture and the many services it provides to people with disabilities, including opportunities for housing and employment. She famously convinced Gov. Mario Cuomo to buy raffle tickets to benefit Venture. He and his wife, Matilda Cuomo, went on to buy the tickets for many years, and even invited Esta to tea at the Governor’s Mansion.

She later spent several years as a dining room attendant at Five Guys in Nanuet, where she was a valued employee, and never shy about saying hello to patrons.

The Rockland County Legislature will adjourn its next full Legislature meeting in Baitler’s memory on June 6, Cornell said.

Memorial contributions may be made in Esta's memory to Venture Foundation.