Esther "Marie" Alley

Esther Alley ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Tampa Cremation & Burial Services on Mar. 17, 2026.Esther "Marie" Alley, 87, of Tampa, Florida, passed away peacefully on March 12 after a courageous battle with leukemia. A proud graduate of Hillsborough High School, Class of 1956, Marie carried her Terrier spirit throughout her life.Known to everyone simply as Marie, she was a devoted mother whose warmth, humor, and steady presence shaped the lives of those around her. Creative by nature, she found joy in ceramics and painting, often sharing her handmade pieces with loved ones. She also had a remarkable green thumb, tending to her plants and garden with the same care she gave to the people in her life.Marie loved gathering with family and friends for card games, where her sharp wit and playful competitiveness always came through. Her favorite game with family was "hand, knee & foot," a tradition that brought generations together around the table. She was also an enthusiastic member of the Northdale OWLS, where she not only played cards but taught Mahjong to her card group, happily welcoming newcomers and sharing her love of the game. She enjoyed many ocean cruises with her family as well, travelling to places such as Australia, Alaska, and the Caribbean, alongside memories that will be cherished for generations. She also welcomed exchange students into her home, which included Kazu Shindu of Tokyo, Japan, who remains a wonderful and cherished close friend of Marie and her family for decades.Marie is survived by her son Mark; her daughter Lisa and son in law Thomas; her grandchildren Isaac and Alexis; and her sisters Carolyn, Nadine, Mary, and Cheryl-affectionately known as "the Pearls," a nickname passed down from their mother's middle name, Pearl, and a testament to their lifelong closeness and strength.She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Paul, and her sons David and Steve, with whom she is now reunited.A Celebration of Life is being planned at Crosspointe Church on Debuel Road in Lutz, where family and friends will gather to honor Marie's memory and the love she shared so generously.Her family remembers her as a woman of deep compassion, gentle humor, creativity, and unwavering love - a legacy that will continue in the hearts of all who knew her.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.