LESTER, Martha (Pugsley) of Wellesley passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 26, 2018 at the age of 86, surrounded by her children. She was born on February 23, 1932 and grew up in Batavia, Illinois, the youngest of eight children. While living in New Mexico, Martha met and married her loving husband of 65 years, Col. Rufus E. Lester, Jr., who recently passed away in September 2017. She was the devoted mother of Larry Lester and wife Anna; Kimberly Pallotta and husband James; Mark Lester and wife Kate; Amy Bellido and husband Enrique; and Lori Lester. She was the beloved “Grammy” to Rachel Lester, Christopher Pallotta, Michael Pallotta, Eliza Lester, Patrick Lester, Megan Lester, Claudia Bellido, and Alicia Bellido.
Martha was the wife of a career Army Officer, a role that she fulfilled with unwavering strength and dedication. Having moved over sixteen times within the U.S. and abroad, Martha cared for her family throughout her husband’s military assignments and during his two yearlong tours in Vietnam. She gracefully took on the responsibilities of leading various social and service clubs to support military personnel and their families. The Army awarded her a citation to acknowledge her many endeavors.
In addition to being a dedicated military wife and mother, Martha was known for her fun-loving nature and sense of humor. In her earlier years, Martha joined bowling leagues, was an avid bridge player, and could match wits with most on a good crossword puzzle. She loved playing the piano, was crazy about animals, and enjoyed getaways with her husband and close friends. Her greatest passion and priority, however, was her family. After many years of moving, she was fortunate to live close to all her children and grandchildren, never missing an opportunity to be with them. Whether volunteering to babysit, attending recitals, cheering at games, or baking cookies together, Martha found tremendous joy in the time she spent with her grandchildren. She prepared dinner for her entire family every week, making Sunday dinners at “Grammy and Grandaddy’s” a family tradition. Her loving and caring nature was shown in her talent for baking her tasty recipes for friends and family. Whether she was cheering someone up with a fresh pound cake or congratulating someone with a batch of frosted sugar cookies, Martha always knew how to make the people in her life feel loved. Her legacy as a skilled cook will live on through a cookbook of her favorite recipes created by one of her grandchildren, called “Grammy’s Recipe Box”.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Martha’s extraordinary caregivers Evelyn, Christopher, Marty, and Christine. Their tireless support, encouragement, and the love with which they surrounded her brought her great comfort, friendship, and laughter.
Visiting hours at the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 477 Washington St., (Rt.16) WELLESLEY, Monday, July 2 from 4:00-8:00pm. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Martha will be laid to rest with her husband, Rufus, in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA.