Sister Esther Pineda died May 6, 2015 at Cloud County Health Center in Concordia, KS. She was 74 years old and a Sister of St. Joseph for 42 years. She was born in Sherman, NM on July 1, 1940, to Pablo and Isidora Salaiz Pineda, the youngest of six children, and was baptized Maria Ester. She entered the Sisters of St. Joseph, Concordia, KS on July 1, 1972. On June 2, 1973, Maria Ester entered the Novitiate of the Sisters of St. Joseph and was given the name Sister Esther. She pronounced first vows on June 8, 1974 and final vows on August 15, 1980.

Sister Esther earned her B.A. in Physical Education and History from Western New Mexico University in 1962, her M.S. in Physical Education and Recreation from University of New Mexico and her M.A. in Religious Studies from Fordham University in 1976. In 1982 Sister Esther was appointed to the position of Director of Associates for the Congregation with residence at the Motherhouse and El Paso, TX. In 1987 she assumed the position of Vocation Director followed by Postulant Director in 1988. In 1991 Sister Esther was elected to the Executive Council of the Congregation for a four year term; followed by a four year term as Vice President of the Congregation. In 1999 Sister Esther served in Maryland working with Catholic Charities until 2006 when she became the director of the Peace and Justice Ministry in Salina, KS. Sister Esther's last mission was at the Grand View Convent in El Paso, TX offering hospitality to volunteers working with immigrants. She came home to the Motherhouse in Concordia in May of 2015 because of illness.

Sister Esther was preceded in death by her parents, one sister and two brothers. She is survived by one sister, Socorro Muñoz, and one brother, Gus Pineda. A Bible Vigil Service will be held Sunday, May 10 at 7:00 p.m. in the Nazareth Motherhouse Chapel with Sister Judy Stephens as the eulogist. The Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, May 11 at 10:30 a.m. in the Motherhouse Chapel with Rev. Jim Hoover presiding. The burial of the cremains will be in the Nazareth Motherhouse Cemetery. Chaput-Buoy Mortuary, 325 W. 6th St., Concordia, KS is in charge of arrangements. Memorials for Sister Esther Pineda may be given to the Sisters of St. Joseph Health Care/ Retirement Fund or the Apostolic Works of the Sisters; P.O Box 279, Concordia, KS 66901. For online condolences, please visit www.chaputbuoy.com.