Phyllis Lester

Phyllis Koledo Lester, of Monroe, passed away suddenly on Saturday, at the age of 69. She was born in Springfield, VT on May 7, 1941. She was a graduate of Springfield High School, the University of Vermont and received a Master’s Degree from the Southern Connecticut State University. Phyllis was a Monroe resident for 43 years. She taught home economics along with health and nutrition at Chalk Hill Middle School and Jockey Hollow School for 20 years. She had been a member of the Monroe Jaycees, Welcome Wagon, and the PTO. She was active in St. Stephen’s Catholic Church in Trumbull, Connecticut, most recently as a member of the Parish Council. She had a generous heart and never met a charity she didn’t like. Always an avid sports fan, Phyllis volunteered countless hours to help raise funds for saving the Chalk Hill sports program in the late 1970’s and the project for the “Light Up Masuk” football field. Phyllis often attended Masuk sporting events and she loved the UCONN Huskies football and basketball. Family meant everything to Phyllis and she is survived by her beloved husband, Keith C. Lester, and her three children, Michael J. Lester and his wife Karen, Melissa L. Whelahan and her husband Dan, and Melanie L. Araya and her husband Rick. Her pride and joy were her nine grandchildren, Megan Lester, Kelly Lester, Jack Lester, Ryan Whelahan, Heather Whelahan, Heidi Whelahan, Katia Araya, Grace Araya, and Alice Araya. She is also survived by her sisters, Alicia K. Haley, of Naples, FL, and Joanne K. Kuhman, of Tecumseh, MI and several nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her father John Sergius Koledo and mother, Alice Hoskiewicz Koledo of Springfield, VT and her grandson, John S. Araya. Calling hours will be Tuesday, April 5, 2011 from 4 to 8 pm at Spadaccino and Leo P. Gallagher & Son Community Funeral Home, 315 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe, CT. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, April 6, 2011 at 10 am at St Stephens Roman Catholic Church, 6948 Main Street, Trumbull, CT. Online condolences may be sent to www.spadaccinofuneralhome.com