Margaret Lester

LESTER, MARGARET, 94 - of Wildwood, departed from this life on Wednesday, December 5, 2007 at Crest Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation Center from a massive stroke. Margaret Lester was born on January 22, 1913 to the proud parents Annie and David Lawrence in Jacksonville, FL. She had three older siblings who all preceded her in death, William (Bill), Fredrick (Freddie) and David. Margaret came from a large family. Her mother, Annie (Williams) Lawrence had eight sisters and brothers. They were a very close family. Margaret was four years old when her parents moved to New York City. Later they moved to Philadelphia where Margaret attended the Philadelphia Public School System. When Margaret was 13 years old, the family moved to Wildwood. Margaret attended school in Wildwood on the very grounds where she last resided in Parkside Court. Margaret had a good Christian upbringing. At an early age, the family attended the Church of the Living God and Pillar of the Truth. In 1936, she married Charles Lester and later separated. She had one child, a daughter, Willamae, who is her pride and joy. Margaret was a hard-working woman who took great pleasure in her independence. In her earlier years, she worked for Lincoln Laundry in Wildwood for over 15 years. In 1972, she purchased a motel, "Behind the Moon Courts". She then worked for Woodbine Developmental Center for 10 years and retired at the age of 69. After retirement, she worked in the summer months for a motel on the boardwalk, where she pressed linens for five years. Margaret operated her motel for almost 30 years. She sold it and moved back to Parkside Court. Margaret lived alone in Parkside Court and enjoyed whipping up a meal when her family and friends visited her. Playing bingo was one of her favorite past times and she also liked the casinos. She led a full and independent life until being hospitalized a year ago and upon discharge was transferred to Crest Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. She leaves to cherish precious memories: her devoted daughter, Willamae Holloway; three grandchildren, Melody Matthews and husband, Larry, Sr., Clinton Holloway and wife, Marion, and Lawrence M. Holloway; four great grands, Larry Matthews, Jr. and wife, Nichole, Anthony Matthews and wife, Leah, Nicole Matthews, and Rebecca Holloway; five great-great grands, Larry Matthews, III, Kyle Matthews, Jayden Matthews, Giana Matthews, and Maurice Matthews; and a host of nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 10, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at the Radzieta Funeral Home, 9 Hand Avenue, Cape May Court House, where viewing will begin at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be in Seaside Cemetery, Palermo. Condolences at www.radzieta.com