Lester, Lori Elizabeth of Wellesley, passed away peacefully on Sunday November 14, 2021 surrounded by her loving family, after a courageously fought battle with cancer. She was a devoted daughter, sister to four siblings, and aunt to eight nieces and nephews. She was born in Falls Church, Virginia on December 28, 1966, the youngest child of the late Colonel Rufus E. Lester, Jr. of Macon, Georgia and Martha P. Lester, of Batavia, Illinois. Lori spent her early childhood moving throughout the US and abroad with her family before they settled in Dover, Massachusetts. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Connecticut College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, then went on to pursue a career in human resources.
Lori spent almost 30 years of her career building the Human Resources department at The MathWorks, an international software company with thousands of employees in 17 countries. As the Global Head of Human Resources, the dedication to her work had tremendous impact on the company’s success. People at The MathWorks who knew her well will miss her wisdom, grace, warmth, and empathy. As a mentor and coach, she was known for asking tough questions to help people find their own answers. Those who worked closely with Lori for decades thought of her first as a friend and as a colleague second. They valued her generosity, intelligence, fierce loyalty, and compassion. Everyone knew she took her work and her relationships seriously, but also knew she was just as likely to crack a joke or share the occasional belly laugh, usually when it was needed most. She approached her work with quiet, deliberate competence and patience. At the end of the workday while making her afternoon tea in the kitchen, she would spend hours talking about her beloved nieces and nephews, puppies and siblings. Anyone lucky enough to spend time with Lori was left feeling special and important. Lori’s passing will leave a huge void that can never be filled in the lives of her MathWorks family.
To her own family, Lori will be remembered for her selfless and unwavering love and devotion. Moving frequently as part of a military family fostered an uncommonly close bond with Lori’s parents and siblings throughout her life. She spent most of her Sunday afternoons at Mom and Dad’s house helping prepare dinner and enjoying stories and conversation with the whole family. When she wasn’t working, Lori looked forward to spending time with her brothers and sisters--taking long walks by the reservoir, shopping and vacationing in Charleston and Nantucket. She remembered every birthday and came to every family celebration. Lori’s family could always rely on her attention, compassion, and advice at every stage of their lives.
Lori loved her nieces and nephews like they were her own children. From the moment each of them was born, she was a dedicated, loving, and guiding influence in their lives. From babysitting, shopping trips, and vacations to Disney World, to attending recitals, lacrosse games, and graduations, Lori showed her love to her nieces and nephews by being there for all of life’s milestones. Even from a distance, she would send good luck texts before big exams, mail presents for every birthday, and dedicate hours to giving advice. She was often the first person they would turn to for help when making tough decisions.
Her joy, her beauty, her devotion, her strength and her grace are Lori’s gifts to us all. And for that, we are forever grateful. Lori is survived by her siblings: Larry Lester and wife Anna; Kimberly Pallotta and husband James; Mark Lester and wife Katherine; and Amy Bellido and husband Enrique. She was the beloved “Auntie” to her eight nieces and nephews: Christopher Pallotta, Michael Pallotta and wife Elizabeth, Claudia Bellido, Alicia Bellido, Eliza Lester, Patrick Lester, Megan Lester, and Rachel Lester.
Visiting hours for family and friends are Sunday, November 21, 2021, from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. at George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 477 Washington Street, Wellesley, MA 02482.
A funeral service will be held on Monday November 22, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at Wellesley Hills Congregational Church, 207 Washington Street, Wellesley, MA 02481. For online guestbook, gfdoherty.com.