Raejean (Lancaster) Lester

April 2, 2023
LESTER, A. RAEJEAN

    Raejean (Lancaster) Lester, 90, of Nashua, died on Sunday, April 2, 2023 surrounded by the love of her family.         

    Widow of the late Donald Lester, Raejean was the daughter of the late Ruby and Floyd Lancaster and step-daughter of the late Edgar Lane. She was born in Pittsfield, Maine and graduated from Gorham State Teacher’s College (now known as USM Gorham). Her first teaching job was in Groton, CT, where she met her first husband, Jerry LeBlanc. They raised their three children in Mystic, Connecticut where Raejean worked as a substitute teacher and at the Mystic Seaport Museum.

    In 1979, Raejean moved to Nashua, NH with her children and worked at Indian Head and NFS banks as a teller. This is where she met her husband Donald, and they married in 1985, enjoying their retirement years together until Donald passed away in 2017. Raejean also worked part time at the Nashua Welcome Center until it closed in 2010.

    Raejean was known for her loud and boisterous laugh and silly sense of humor. She loved to play games, do word puzzles, and was a square dancer for many decades. She was an active member of the Main Street United Methodist Church, where she led Disciples classes and served as a Joyful Shepherd. A volunteer for many years at the Southern NH HIV/AIDS Task Force, she was an outspoken advocate during the height of the epidemic. Raejean’s greatest joy was her family, and especially loved spending time with her grandchildren, taking nature walks, making cookies, and sewing costumes for them.

     In addition to her husband Donald, Raejean was predeceased by her sister Evelene and her husband Ken Cianchette; her sister-in-law, Carol Lancaster; her brother-in-law, Glen Riley; and step-brother, Edgar Lane, Jr.

    She is survived by her three children, Randall LeBlanc and his wife Lori of Las Vegas, NV,  Barry LeBlanc and his wife Linda of Merrimack, NH and Wendy LeBlanc and her partner Brad Van Dyke of Hudson, NH; her grandchildren, Jessica LeBlanc and her partner Shawn Neacy, Aaron LeBlanc and his wife Alexsandra, Michelle LeBlanc, Whitney LeBlanc, and Morgan LeBlanc; her great-grandson, Finn LeBlanc; her siblings, Leigh Lancaster of Nashua, NH, Alan Lane of Newbury, NH and Carol Riley of Hudson, NH; and several nieces, nephews, step-children and step-grandchildren.

   Whenever anyone told her that they loved her, she would reply “thank you” and this became a family joke. The last words she spoke, to her granddaughters after they reminded her how much they loved her, were “thank you”. She always knew and appreciated how much she was loved. And boy, did she love to laugh.

  Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Friday, April 7th from 4 to 7 p.m. Her funeral service will be held in the Main Street United Methodist Church, 154 Main Street, Nashua, Saturday, April 8th at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow in St. Francis Xavier Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to attend. Memorial donations may be sent to Main Street United Methodist Church, PO Box 1517, Nashua, NH 03061. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com

12 Comments on Raejean (Lancaster) Lester

Sharon E Benard said : Guest Report Jun 08, 2023 at 1:42 PM

I am reading this obituary quite late but the words nonetheless are just as sincere. Raejean was a good friend of my mother, Barbara Anderson. Donald Lester was best man at the wedding of my mother & father, Charles in 1952. Dad and Donald reconnected their friendship in the 1980's and had many fun times together. My father passed six years ago, and my mother suffers from dementia. However, I will tell her of Raejean's passing just the same. My sympathies and my mother's go out to the family. I met Raejean on many occasions and she was lovely.

Phyllis Murray said : Guest Report Apr 07, 2023 at 10:37 AM

Raejean and I lived in the same apartment complex and she was a faithful attendee of a tai chi class I taught there. I enjoyed her sense of humor and had great respect for the way she dealt with her health issues, not afraid to ask for help but without a trace of self pity. She was a gallant woman and will be missed. My heartfelt condolences to her family and those who loved her.

Zena Ramirez said : Guest Report Apr 04, 2023 at 10:04 PM

Wendy, I am so sad right now I did not even had the chance to said good bye to her. My heart is with you my deepest sympathy to you and your family in this difficult time Love you.

Rob C said : Guest Report Apr 04, 2023 at 12:10 PM

Raejean was a kind and cheerful person, who indeed, liked to make costumes, including a tiger costume that she made for my nephew when he was three. Just knowing her was to be gifted by her caring, her advocacy, and her loyalty. She loved and was loved by many, and she will be missed by even those whose lives she touched - even briefly. When I think of her, I will remember her laugh, her dedication to her family, and the twinkle in her eyes.

Greg Pratte said : Guest Report Apr 04, 2023 at 12:00 PM

Randy. So sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. Although I never met her, when you spoke of her, she sounded like a kind hearted, generous woman, who will leave a big empty space in your life. You have my deepest sympathy. Greg Pratte.

Liz McKenzie said : Guest Report Apr 03, 2023 at 8:58 PM

My sincere condolences to Raejean’s family for her passing. She was a woman of boundless energy, a kind and generous soul who touched the lives of everyone she met. Her warmth, humor, and love brought joy to countless people, and she will be deeply missed. Though she may be gone, her spirit lives on in the memories and hearts of those who knew her best. We celebrate the life of Raejean whose legacy of love will endure for generations to come.

Pam Breniser said : Guest Report Apr 03, 2023 at 8:52 PM

Reading the obituary reminded me of so many things, Raejean sewing costumes for instance: United Methodist Women had a Christmas Tea and read the story "The Mitten" where so many animals went inside a mitten that it got stretched all out of shape. Kids acted it out as it was read and Raejean made animal costumes, I think out of old bathrobes maybe, but they were really cute. The Joyful Shepherds picnics she hosted were lots of fun. I think she is the one who name the group Joyful Shepherds. She was also in a Nutty Knitters group at church. I wouldn't be surprised if she chose that name also! Never a dull moment with Raejean. I feel honored to have known her for so many years.

Cynthia Morrissey said : Guest Report Apr 03, 2023 at 6:58 PM

Our prayers and thoughts are with all of you. Raejean was such a wonderful, funny and loving lady. We shared a lot of laughs and tears during Bible studies and rides to and from Advent and Lenten studies. She was a bigger than life presence in everyone's life who knew her. She will be sorely missed. Grace and Peace, Mark (Steven:) ) and Cindy Morrissey

Chipo Chipfunde said : Guest Report Apr 03, 2023 at 5:31 PM

My thoughts and prayers are with you, as you navigate life without Raejean. She was the most friendly, caring, cheerful and loving person I have ever known. Yes! She was my friend who left a hole in my heart. I wish the family and friends, peace and comfort that comes from God. May our beautiful angel rest in God’s comfort.

Cheryle Pacapelli said : Guest Report Apr 03, 2023 at 4:54 PM

Wendy I am so truly sorry for your loss. I felt like I knew your mother even though we never met. She was an amazing woman loved by so many, and she will live on in your heart and memories. God Bless.

George Chegge said : Guest Report Apr 03, 2023 at 3:53 PM

Words only say what they mean, but words alone are not enough to describe the love of a mother. May the Peace of God that surpasses all human understanding give Rajean's family strength and comfort.

Joan LeBlanc McLaughlin said : Guest Report Apr 03, 2023 at 3:09 PM

It is so sad to lose a love one, but we must keep the faith and rejoice in her transition. Her presence will always be with us. God Bless you Raejean!

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