March 28, 2017
Lester, Virginia B.
Virginia Marie Bowen Lester, a resident of Westwood since 1959, died Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at the Norwood Hospital in Norwood, Massachusetts. She was 86. Virginia was born March 11, 1931 in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the daughter of Katie Sue Schaefer and Albert S.Bowen Jr. She grew up in the family home, “the Dogwoods” in Chickamauga, Georgia and graduated from Girl’s Preparatory School in Chattanooga, Tennessee in 1949, attended Randolph-Macon Woman’s College in Lynchburg, Virginia from 1949 to 1951 and received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee in 1953. Virginia married George N. Lester, III of Atlanta Georgia on April 14, 1956 in Chickamauga, Georgia and in 1956 the couple moved to Massachusetts, settling in Westwood in August of 1959. She was a Past President of the Westwood Garden Club and the Westwood Woman’s Club. Virginia was active in the General Federation of Women’s Clubs of Massachusetts, especially with the Memorial Forest. After her son Albert, an aspiring teacher, was killed by a drunk driver in 1992, she spoke in countless high schools in New England and was honored by the National Commission against Drunk Driving. Currently she serves on the Westwood Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Committee. Virginia is survived by her husband of 61 years, George N. Lester III of Westwood; their son George N. Lester IV, and his wife Blanche Teyssier, of Medfield, Massachusetts; two grandsons, Albert Benjamin Lester II and Jake Whitney Lester; her brother, William S. Bowen of Arlington, Virginia; four nieces, Susan and Alice Harra, and Lesley and Holly Bowen; and a nephew, Bryan Bowen. She was predeceased by her son, Albert B. Lester; her brother, Albert Sidney Bowen III; her sister, Katherine Bowen Harra; and a nephew, Reece Bowen. Virginia will be remembered for her good sense of humor, her attitude of hope, and her spirit of forgiveness. Visiting hours will be held Friday, March 31, 2017 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm at the Folsom Funeral Home, 649 High Street, Westwood. Relatives and friends are invited to attend Virginia’s funeral Saturday at 10 am at the First Baptist Church, 808 High Street, Westwood followed by interment in New Westwood Cemetery. Donations in her memory to the Albert Lester Memorial Scholarship Fund at Westwood High School, 200 Nahatan Street, Westwood, MA 02090, or to the First Baptist Church, 808 High Street, Westwood, MA 02090 or to the charity of your choice would be appreciated.
Comments(8)
I was so saddened to hear of Virginias’ very recent passing. Such a dear, sweet lady in every sense of the word. George and all of your family, my thoughts and prayers with you at this difficult time. I am so glad that you were with her to say goodbye. Most Sincerely, Joan Antognoni
I knew Virginia through the General Federation of Women’s Clubs of Massachusetts. She was a wonderful, caring and inspirational woman who always thought of others. She will certainly be missed.
Remembering Virginia as soft spoken, quiet wit, and oh so smart.
She was respected in the GFWC Massachusetts community for her devotion to our Memorial Forest. In the years 1988-90 she was the Program Chairman as with all things, she was outstanding.
I regret that I am in Florida and unable to say our farewell.
June D. Alfano
GFWC Massaachusetts
President 1988-1990
To the Family,
So very sorry to hear the news of dear Aunt Virginia. She was a revered family member with great energy, spirit, and charm–an example for us all. She will be missed.
This quote will always make me think of her:
O Divine Master, grant that I may not seek to be consoled, as to console. To be understood, as to understand. To be loved, as to love. For it is in giving that we receive. It is in pardoning that we are pardoned. It is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
With love and prayers for all touched by this loss,
M
Such a lady .. such a loss! Oh how she loved caring for our beautiful Memorial Forest in Sudbury. I cherish the copy given me of “Story of the Memorial Forest” compiled by Virginia in 2002. What a dedicated, talented, always smiling southern lady we’ve lost. My life has been enriched by her friendship and she will be missed by many!
Martha E. Scarsdale
President, GFWC/MA
2004-2006
my beautiful Virginia what a lovely lady you always were the Forest at Federation Headquarters will miss you and so will I and The General Federation of Womans Club of Massachusetts will miss your tender loving care Love Lorraine
I am so sorry I found this obituary notice too late to attend. Her son Albert was my best friend growing up in Westwood. Mrs. Lester was always the gracious den leader for scouts, and the nice mom hosting Albert and his friends playing games or building model rockets, supplying us all with home made cookies. When Albert was killed by a drunk driver, Mrs. Lester was consumed with grief and anger. When after a process filled with pain and prayer, and more pain and prayer, Mrs. Lester reconciled with that drunk driver and forgave him, showing us all the incredible power of forgiveness, in her gentle Southern way. She was a remarkable and giving woman. I am grateful I reconnected with her and Mr. Lester last year on the memorial bike ride in Albert’s honor. God hold her soul in peace. God give comfort to all who mourn.