Barbara Lester

Barbara Lester, 77, of Merrimack, NH and Virginia Beach, VA, was surrounded by her loving family when she entered into eternal rest on Thursday, February 8, 2018, after a brave and courageous battle with lung cancer.

Barbara was the youngest daughter of William Harlan and Sybil (Allen) Lester, born July 21, 1940 in Waco TX. She was predeceased by her sister, Martha Ann Boland Williams.

Barbara is survived by her former spouse, Gerald E. Lester of Katy, TX; her son and daughter in law, David and Lori Lester of Merrimack NH; her grandson, Daniel Lester and his wife Nagisa; and two great-granddaughters, Nina and Mia. She also leaves behind her niece and nephews and many close friends.

Barbara graduated from Waco High School in 1958. In addition to raising her family, she held various occupations and was a talented artist. Barbara was a physical education teacher at Bowie Elementary School in Greenville, TX for 7 years, and she proudly served as a volunteer at the Nashua NH Girls Club. Barbara loved history and to travel; some of her favorite trips brought her to London, Ireland and Germany. Her most memorable travel experience was visiting the Pyramids in Egypt.

Barbara began a new chapter in her life when she moved to Virginia Beach, and was well known in the area as a very dedicated massage therapist. During her time in Virginia Beach, Barbara made many new friends with whom she shared her spiritual journey. Prior to her retirement several years ago, she worked at Westminster-Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay.

At the end of her life, while on Hospice, she reminisced about the happy times she spent in Texas with her family, and would recall the beautiful bluebonnet flowers that graced the countryside.

To honor her memory, a private family service will be held for Barbara in Waco, Texas in the spring; her favorite time of year.

Barbara was a kind and gentle person who will be missed dearly by those whose lives she touched.

"What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose,
for all that we love deeply becomes part of us." Helen Keller

For anyone who would like to make a donation in Barbara's memory, it was her request that donations be made to any public broadcasting station.

Her family would like to thank the wonderful staff and volunteers at Home Health and Hospice of Merrimack, for their kindness, compassion and support.