Deborah A. Lester

Deborah A. Lester

Elmira - Deborah A. Lester, known to friends and family as Debbie, died at the age of 63 at home the morning of September 5, 2018, surrounded by loved ones, following several years of cancer treatment.

Born Deborah Lewien in Syracuse, NY, she grew up in Port Henry on the shores of Lake Champlain. She is pre-deceased by her parents Joseph D. Lewien and Elizabeth J. Blair, sisters Leah and Mary, as well as daughter Irene Jane Clare Lester, who died in infancy. She is survived by her husband David F. Lester, daughter Autumn Rose Lester (Eric Eid-Reiner), brother Joseph D. Lewien, sister Rachel E. Kindon, and a large extended family.

Debbie loved cooking, music, spending time with family and friends, family trips, and raising and educating Autumn Rose. She was an early childhood educator and music teacher. Debbie was also very fond of nature, and peaceful and contemplative environments. The open expanse of Lake Champlain always held a special place in her heart.

Family and friends are invited to calling hours and a funeral, both of which will be held in the Chapel at Mount Savior Monastery, 231 Monastery Road, Pine City, Elmira, NY 14871. Calling hours will be Friday, September 7 from 3:00-5:00 p.m. and 7:00-8:15 p.m., and the funeral mass will be held on Saturday, September 8 at 10:00 a.m., followed by a luncheon. Debbie asked all invited to "please come with joy in your heart to celebrate her life, and wear a bright color to reflect that." Interment of her ashes will be private.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to either the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (www.bcrf.org), which is doing research on triple negative breast cancer, the type Debbie had, or to Mount Savior Monastery (www.msaviour.org).

Arrangements are under the care of James D. Barrett Funeral Home in Elmira, NY.