born on September 20, 1936 in Catonsville, Maryland. She met the love of her life, a striking
US Army Korean War Veteran, Edward “Ed” Leon Lester, who swept her off her feet in early
1952. They married on April 17, 1953, at Emory United Methodist Church in Historic Ellicott
City, Maryland, and welcomed their only child, daughter Sharon Yvonne, in December of that
year.
The newlyweds purchased their first home in Westview Park, a beautiful split-foyer on
Prestwood Road in Catonsville, Maryland. Their home was always open and welcome to all,
resulting in countless shared fond memories.
Margaret and Ed loved horses. They would often ride trails together in Patapsco State Park.
Diablo was Margaret’s horse’s name: a beautiful black-and-white Appaloosa. Ed’s was a
chestnut-red American Quarter Horse, named Shawnee. Riding “western-style,” they would
routinely attend and show their horses together.
They loved to listen and dance to country music: Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Johnny
Cash, Merle Haggard, Dwight Yoakum, Don Williams were among a few of Margaret’s
favorites; and, of course, she loved “the King,” Elvis. The couple could often be seen dancing
together to their favorite songs, and what a sight it was. Margaret sure could jitterbug.
As avid sports fans, Margaret and Ed enjoyed watching NASCAR races. Her favorite driver
was Kyle Busch. They faithfully rooted for their hometown heroes, the Orioles, Ravens,
and Jaguars. Together they would attend horseracing and greyhound racing events and bet
on their favorites, only after handicapping. They took betting seriously. Enjoying common
interests, they were never found apart.
In 1978, Margaret and Ed moved to Jacksonville, Florida, where they enjoyed the warm and
sunny weather. There, they lived closer to Ed’s family, allowing visits to Ed’s sisters and
brothers, who Margaret felt extremely close. Sharon and her husband, Terry, along with their
two boys, would drive south to visit as often as they could, making life-long memories
together. Margaret and Ed would routinely drive north to Maryland to stay with them as well.
Often, they would go on long road trips to enjoy the southern border. They loved traveling,
exploring, experiencing, and discovering new places together.
Following Ed’s passing in 1999, Margaret returned to Maryland and moved into a beautiful
apartment in Owings Mills New Town, where she developed many new friendships and often
commented how happy she was living there. Margaret loved living close to her family again
and being able to spend time to enjoy a simple get-together or relish in celebrating weddings,
births, holidays, and other life’s most wonderful occasions.
On Sunday, October 4th, 2020, at the age of 84, Margaret passed away peacefully surrounded
by her loving family.
Her free-spirited, strong-willed, and forever adventurous life will be cherished and continued
in the lives, minds, and hearts of her devoted daughter, Sharon Yvonne and son-in-law, Terry
Wayne Custer of Ellicott City; her two grandsons, Jason (wife Melissa) and Justin (wife
Lauren); and her four great-grandchildren: Allison, Abigail, Brynn, and Everett.
Margaret’s family will be gathering privately to celebrate, her life, her memory, and her inspiration.
On behalf of Margaret, heartfelt appreciation to Gilchrist Hospice is extended for providing compassionate care and comfort.
In lieu of flowers, her family respectfully suggests memorial contributions In Memory of Margaret Sue Lester to Gilchrist Cares, 11311 McCormick Road #350, Hunt Valley, Maryland 21031 or electronically at www.gilchristcares.com.
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