LESTER, Mary 'Caroline' Watson - (Gold Medal Recipient ARTC Singing - Royal Conservatory of Music 1956)
The family of Caroline W. Lester are very saddened to share that Caroline passed away in Michael Garron Hospital in the early morning hours of June 23rd, 2021 at the age of 90. Until three weeks ago when she was admitted to hospital, she was still living in her own home which was her greatest wish, and for that we are grateful.
Caroline was the beloved daughter of James M. Watson (1949) and Florence S. Watson (2001). She is survived by her dearly loved children Mary Katherine S. Lester-Stricelj & James W. Lester (Barbara Porpealia). She was the best Nan to her much loved granddaughters Caroline K. Stricelj (Lewis Kent) & Katerina A. Lester.
Caroline is also survived by her brother Thomas D. Watson (Jean) and her niece Katherine W. Mercer (Steve), great niece Bailey Watson (Dylan Carry) & great great niece Kaiya Watson. As well as the Egleston, MacKeen, Doe, & Gilbert families.
Caroline grew up in North Toronto and attended Northern Secondary School and then the Royal Conservatory of Music. She Married Richard M. Lester in 1955 and together they had two children. While in Toronto Caroline sang with the Orpheus Choir and was a Soprano Soloist at Rosedale United Church until they relocated to Beaconsfield, Quebec. Caroline was very involved in the Music community while in Quebec and made many life-long dear friends through her music associations. She was a Soprano Soloist at Montreal West United Church and sang countless lead roles in Gilbert & Sullivan Operettas with the Lakeshore Operatic Society & Montreal West Operatic Society.
Caroline returned to Toronto in 1980 and shortly after was diagnosed with Lupus. This started a 40-year fight with many health setbacks. She faced all of her health challenges with courage, strength, and determination which we attributed to her strong Scottish & UEL Roots.
Caroline worked for many years out of the Trull Funeral Home for the Loewen Group alongside Harry Rath as his Executive Assistant and she loved her job.
Caroline was an avid reader and a talented seamstress before she lost her sight but her greatest joys were always her family, especially her granddaughters who she loved fiercely. She had a wonderful sense of fun and humour and will be dearly missed by everyone, especially her children and granddaughters.
Thank you to her wonderful PSW’s from SEHC Jonel & Rosalie, her LHIN Care Coordinator Nicole Lewis, as well as the Hematology staff at Michael Garron Hospital.
Arrangements entrusted with Giffen-Mack funeral home, Danforth chapel.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lupus Canada.
Rest safely in His care Nan.
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