Sybil V. Lester

Sybil V. Lester, age 95, passed away peacefully at home in Plano, Texas, surrounded by her loving family, on September 17, 2024. Sybil was born in New York City on January 19, 1929, to Lena and Irving Volgel. Her parents came as children to America—her mother from Poland, her father from France.

Sybil grew up in Erie, Pennsylvania, and as a teen worked in her father’s shoe store. She met William Lester (Bill), her future husband, when she was 17 years old. She initially attended Lake Erie College, where she studied psychology and child development. She was an accomplished equestrienne and competed in that sport.

She and Bill began a loving relationship which would last through 67 years of marriage. They married on June 26, 1949, and Sybil transferred to the University of Pittsburgh, where Bill was studying towards a Masters in Mechanical Engineering.

Sybil graduated from Pitt and she and Bill lived in Pittsburgh, raising their family of three children. In Pittsburgh, Bill became an executive with Blaw-Knox and then Westinghouse. With vibrant intelligence and boundless energy, Sybil was the consummate wife, mother, homemaker, and support for her husband and family.

Using her background in psychology and child development Sybil taught in the Head Start program, serving disadvantaged youngsters. She volunteered for the Synagogue Sisterhood, was active with ORT, and was President for her local National Council of Jewish Women. Sybil and Bill became leaders of the growing Conservative Movement Congregation—Beth El of the South Hills.

She and Bill lived in Pittsburgh; Montvale, New Jersey; Potomac, Maryland; and Wellington, Florida—before moving to Plano Texas. She supported Bill in his executive roles with Burns and Roe, NPS, and Duratek. In later years, she joined Bill in his international travels.

She and Bill were devotedly in love and their remarkable love served as a model for their entire family. Sybil adored her family and children and was extremely proud of all of them. She lavished her love, care, and devotion upon each of them. Blessed in this way, her family truly loved, respected, and adored her. All who knew her appreciated her goodness.

Sybil was predeceased by beloved husband Bill, mother Lena, father Irving, brother Harry, and sister Carolyn Lubovsky.

Sybil is survived by children Heidi Pollack (Wayne) of Mahwah, New Jersey; Elliott Lester (Joyce) of Vero Beach, Florida; and Dr. Mark Lester (Anita) of Irving, Texas. She is survived by grandchildren Adam Pollack, Ross Pollack, Jayne Lester, Kelly Rojas, Mrs. Jackie Kallman, and Andy Lester. She is survived by great grandchildren Jonah Pollack, Sadie Pollack, Lucy Pollack, Adriana Rojas, Diego Rojas, Leah Kallman, and Alex William Kallman.

The funeral will be Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 10:00 am CDT at Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home on 7405 W. Northwest Highway in Dallas (the service can be viewed at: https://vimeo.com/1010702579). Burial will be in the Mt. Zion Cemetery on their grounds. The family requests considering donations to Caring Hearts at the Legacy Willow Bend and to Brith Shalom Synagogue in Erie, Pennsylvania.