Vivian Iris Lester

Vivian graduated from Queen Anne High School in Seattle, Washington, June 16, 1933. While in high school, she loved to play tennis. That was the only thing she really cared about. She would go to the Woodland Park tennis courts and sometimes hit balls with some of the professionals who would also be there to practice. She had many hobbies that she was involved with, but swimming was one of her fondest and favorite activities.

Vivian met her best friend, husband, and love of her life, George, at Parker’s Dance Pavilion in 1938. They married three months later on October 29, 1938 at St. George Catholic Church Rectory in Seattle, Washington. Shortly thereafter, Vivian became a Catholic. They were married 60 wonderful years until George’s passing in January of 1999.

Vivian was the heart of her family. She was the one who brought everyone together and kept them together. She was an excellent listener, non-judgmental, and always forgiving. She knew how to unconditionally love. No matter what any of her family might have done, she was always there for them with a guiding hand, time to listen, or offer words of wisdom.

Vivian loved to work in the yard. The family always enjoyed a beautiful weed-free lawn and lovely flowers. She was also George’s right-hand “man”. When they were out somewhere, they might find large rocks and bring them home until they had enough to build a rockery in the back yard. She also helped George pour concrete for steps and a driveway and she helped with whatever else he or the family needed. That is probably why she had so much trouble with her back for so many years, in addition to carrying the weight of raising a strong family with high moral values. She did all the interior painting in her home and would not let anyone else in the house with a paint brush.

Vivian was fearless of the garden creatures. She had her own remedy for getting rid of slugs which won’t be mentioned because it’s too “gooey”. She was not afraid of snakes, either. The boys would chase the girls with snakes so she would get a gardener snake and put it down, if memory recalls, Tom’s shirt.

Noticeably to everyone in her life, Vivian always put her family first. Every night she prepared a full-course meal consisting of meat, potatoes, vegetable and salad and sat the whole family down to converse and eat together. One time she prepared dinner as usual and sat down to eat, only to excuse herself, because she was too sick to eat. And so she went to bed. That’s how Vivian's strong nature was shown. She did not ask for help and never complained. Her family was her number one priority.

At the age of 98, Vivian passed away from complications of pneumonia, on May 11, 2013, in Kirkland, Washington.

Vivian is preceded in death by her husband, George, of 60 years; and grandson Dale Gilbert. She is survived by 5 children, Anna (John) Lombardi, Linda Barnes, Thomas Lester, Karen (David) Van Loan, and James (Janet) Lester; 12 grandchildren, Michael (Carla) Lombardi, Debbie (George) Farwell, Deanna Pellerin, Brian Lombardi, Cynthia (Clarence) Spradlin, Mark Gilbert, Vernon Beach, Danielle Beach, Gregory (Barette) Lester, Shawna (Sean) Carney, Ryen Lester, Angela (Daniel) Asp; 12 great grandchildren, Tony Lombardi, Brittany Pellerin, Adrianna Wenger, Justice Lombardi, Justin Perry, Christian Gilbert, Troy Beach, Liam Carney, Allene Carney, Joey Miles, Gabriel Miles, Rory Miles; and many loving extended family and friends.

A Memorial Mass will be held Saturday, June 8, 2013, 11:00 am, at St. John Mission, 829 3rd St. Mukilteo, WA 98275.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to local food banks.

We all love her so much and will miss her and the wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend she was. Vivian enriched every life she touched, and for that, her memory will live on with her many friends and family.

Vivian's final place of rest will be beside her husband, George, at Kirkland City Cemetery, Kirkland, Washington.