Wednesday, October 03, 2007

Rupert’s long time first lady passes away at age 83

Mary Agnes Lester, a long time fixture in the Prince Rupert social scene has passed away after a lengthy illness. The spouse of long time Prince Rupert Mayor Peter Lester was a well known and much beloved resident of the city that her husband governed through most of the last half of the last century.

She was predeceased by her husband, former Mayor Peter Lester who passed away last summer.

Mary Lester arrived in Prince Rupert with her then new husband in the late 1940’s and was best known for her love of the Arts, her numerous volunteer activities and dedication and zeal for the performing arts. A sense of Civic service that was best recognized by the renaming of the Performing Arts Centre, now known as the Lester Centre for the Arts.
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The Prince Rupert website e-Prince Rupert posted this biography of both of the Lesters back in July of 2006.

Her obituary in the Wednesday Daily News recounts a full life, one which touched a good number of Rupertites through the years. They will have the opportunity to join her family on Friday as they celebrate her life lived at the Crest Hotel at 4pm. The family asked that in lieu of flowers, donations could be made in her memory to the Lester Centre of the Arts, c/o City Hall, 424 3rd Avenue West, Prince Rupert, BC V8J 1L7.


MARY AGNES LESTER

Mary Lester, after a lengthy illness, passed away peacefully in her own home on September 30th, 2007.

Mary was born on January 3rd, 1924 in London, England and married Peter Lester in 1944 and shortly thereafter moved to Prince Rupert. Although she continued to miss her birthplace, Mary quickly adapted to her new community.

Through the years, Mary made many friends and became well known around town for her quick laugh and easy charm. Mary was also very active in all aspects of the arts. From her love of theatre to her numerous volunteer activities, Mary never failed to please her audience. Above all, Mary was devoted to her family. A family who loved her so very dearly in return, and will continue to miss their “Boma” every single day…

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