Sharry Marie Lester

Frankfort - Sharry Marie Lester, 61, of 211 Joseph St., Frankfort, passed away Sunday, February 20, 2011 in the Siegenthaler Center, New Hartford, surrounded by loved ones. Born February 11, 1950 in Hartford, CT, Sharry was the daughter of Henry F. and Cecilia Ogozalek Kilfoil. She spent most of her formative years in Cincinnati, Ohio. She was a graduate of MVCC, (RN) Utica College of Syracuse University with honors and New School for Social Research with a Masters in Health Service Management. July 17, 1971, one of the happiest days of her life was when she married her soul mate, her "poo," Edward L. Lester, Jr. in St. Stanislaus Church in Chicopee, MA. They were truly in love from the first day they met when Ed called across Thurston's Restaurant stating, "I want the one in purple." They have had a wonderful, compassionate relationship for 39 years. They were seldom apart, a kind of relationship that others could observe and see how special they made each day for each other. Sharry had worked at Mohawk Valley Psychiatric Center for 29 years, most recently as Director of Community Services. She was a communicant of Our Lady Queen of Apostles Church in Frankfort and was associated with the Alliance for the Mentally Ill, past Board Member for the Alzheimer's Association, NY Professional Nurses Association, Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society and Nurse of Distinction, MVPC, 1995. She was a strong-natured, hard worker, willing to assist whenever and wherever needed. She loved to do her crafts, specifically noted for the beautiful baby robes that she would make for newborns. Her house was a haven for a Teddy Bear in need, reaching into each room, a collector for years. Always close to her were the memories of her father, Henry, who preceded her on March 18, 2010 and her loving big brother, Dr. Barry M. Kilfoil, DDS on August 28, 2010. Her greatest joy in life was her family. She is survived by her husband, Ed; her two beautiful, talented children, Heather Marie Lester of Frankfort and Christopher F. Lester and his wife Carin of Seattle, Washington, her mother, Cecilia Kilfoil and her three remarkable grandchildren, the pride and joy of her life. She always felt blessed that God created the role of the grandmother, one that she cherished. Dakota Lester, who made every day special and kept his "grandma" in line, Ryleigh and Evan Lester who kept her young with that sweet little twinkle of innocence. She is also survived by Denise D'Addario, whom she considered her second daughter; her sister and brother in law, Patricia and Steve Wietlisbach of Fayetteville, NY; sister in law, Denise Kilfoil of Cary, North Carolina; a very special Aunt, Mary Irene Sopelak and several nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and cousins. The Lester family will remember the supportive friendship of Diane and Ron Rashford, Doris Bolanowski, Edna and Gene Bunal, Louie and RayAnn Natarelli, the Friday night gang. A special thank you to Dr. Sikder, Dr. Lawrence, Dr. Sharma and Dr. Talarico along with their staff who always made her feel special. Also, to the staff at St. Elizabeth's Hospital, fourth floor, and to the nurses and staff at the Siegenthaler Center. To the many friends at MVPC, thank you, it was a spectacular experience. God bless you all, angels do live on earth. Her funeral will be held Thursday, February 24, 2011, at 10:30 AM in Our Lady Queen of Apostles Church where a mass of Christian burial will be celebrated by the V.Rev. Anthony Barratt, assisted by Deacon James Bower. Calling hours will be Wednesday evening from 4-8 PM from the V.J. Iocovozzi Funeral Home, Inc., 203 Second Ave., Frankfort. Spring interment will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Alzheimer's Association 441 West Kirkpatrick St., Syracuse, NY 13204. Expressions of sympathy may be placed on Sharry's online memorial page by going to www.iocovozzifuneralhomes.com