|
Service:
A Celebration of her life will be held at a later
date.
Funeral home:
Peasley Funeral Home, Lincoln
Obituary
Barbara A. Lester, 73
of Lincoln passed away on Monday, April 13, 2026, at
the Decatur Memorial Hospital in Decatur.
A Celebration of her life will be held at a later
date. Burial will be at a later date at Camp Butler
National Cemetery in Springfield. Cremation Rites
have been accorded.
Barbara Ann Kennedy was born on June 20, 1952, in
Galesburg, the daughter of John “Jack” Joseph and
Virginia Heckle Kennedy. She was united in marriage
to Michael Lester on February 23, 1974. He survives.
Also surviving are her daughters: Michelle "Mickie"
Lester and Jennifer "Jenny" (John) Mortz;
grandchildren: Carly (Brendan) Harp-Austin, Zachary
(Arabelle) Harp, and Tyler Harp;
great-grandchildren: Vivian, Olivia, Damien, and a
little girl on the way in August; her siblings: Kris
Fries, Tim (Cathy) Kennedy, Jan (Dave) Darling,
David (Sandy) Kennedy, twin sister: Bernadette
(Walt) Emery, Pat (Sheny) Kennedy, and Joyce (Rick)
Musselman; and sister-in-law Marifel Kennedy. She is
survived by many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and two
brothers: Phil Kennedy and Bobby Kennedy.
Barbara graduated from Sacred Heart Academy in
Springfield in 1970. She retired from working as a
teacher's aide in Lincoln district #27, working at
their various school buildings. |
Barbara was a member
of Holy Family Catholic Church. She was known for
her easy-going nature and her readiness to jump in
and go wherever life was happening. She found joy in
life’s simple pleasures, especially shopping trips,
watching HGTV, time spent with her sisters, and
cherished moments with her best friend, Amy. She had
a special gift for decorating and hosting her large
family. Above all, she treasured time spent with her
great-grandchildren.
She was a wonderful listener, a steady presence, and
someone who led with kindness in all of her
relationships. Her favorite phrase, “It is what it
is,” reflected her calm, accepting outlook on life.
Her life was a quiet but powerful example of showing
kindness to family and friends - a legacy that will
continue to live on in all who knew and loved her.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer
Society.
Peasley Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Click here to send a note of condolence to the
family of Barbara A. Lester
|
