Mary PATERSON

KESTER, Mary Paterson Died Thursday, September 15, at Manor Care nursing home in Wilmington, DE, after a lengthy illness. She was 81 years of age. The former Mary Kerr Paterson was born in 1924, eldest child of the late Dr. and Mrs. R. K. Paterson of Ottawa. Her father was a surgeon and pioneering radiologist who practiced in the capital for many years. Mrs. Kester graduated from Elmwood School in 1940, and from Queen's University in Kingston with an Honors B.A. in 1944. She remained a loyal and affectionate alumna to the last; the entire Paterson clan indeed has been closely associated with the University since the turn of the (twentieth) century. After two years as editorial secretary to Lorne Pierce at Ryerson Press in Toronto, she attended Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism in New York City, graduating with an M.S. in 1947, and marrying her classmate Gordon H. Kester of Rochester, NY. Mrs. Kester worked in administrative capacities at Brown University, Providence, RI, from 1947 to 1950; the University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, from 1971 to 1978; and St. Mary's College of MD, St. Mary's City, MD, from 1978 to 1986. She was active in the League of Women Voters between 1960 and 1976 in both Delaware and New York state, and greatly enjoyed golf at the DuPont Country Club. After her husband's retirement from college administration and their return to Delaware in 1988, she tutored in English for several years with the Literacy Volunteers of America, served with the Meals on Wheels program, and pursued her interests in travel, gardening, genealogy, books, crossword puzzles, and all things Scottish. Mrs. Kester was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Gordy. She is survived by her loving immediate family: daughter Marian K. Coombs, son-in-law Francis Coombs, and granddaughters Bonnie and Molly Coombs of Crofton, MD; daughter Dr. Janet E. Kester, son-in-law Ian Kester, and granddaughters Daria and Eleanor Kester of Wentzville, MO; and son Lt. Col. James P. Kester and daughter-in-law Heather Kester of Newark, DE. She is also survived by her large Canadian family:rother Robert Paterson, sister-in-law Barbara Paterson, nephews Robert, William and Scott Paterson and niece Barbara Poirier and their families, all of Ontario; sister Elizabeth Lawrence, nephews Stephen, Gordon and Robert Lawrence and niece Carol Shymka and their families, all of Alberta; as well as numerous relations in the British Isles. Interment of her ashes will be in November in Churchville, NY. A memorial service is planned for late November in Ottawa. Gifts in Mary's memory may be made to her beloved alma mater, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6. Arrangements by: CHANDLER FUNERAL HOMES & CREMATORY www.chandlerfuneralhome.com Published in the Ottawa Citizen on 10/11/2005