Vickie M. Lester

Vickie M. Lester missoulian.com
13 hours ago(0) CommentsMISSOULA – Vickie Marie Lester, 59, of Missoula, passed away at her home on Thursday, Jan. 10, 2013.

She was born on Oct. 26, 1953, in Denver to Barbara J. and Henry D. Lester. As a young girl, Vickie was presented with many challenges, which led the family to move to Butte to be closer to family.

Vickie was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at the age of 10 months. She lost her hearing to high fevers at 14 months. At age 10, she was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes that would prove to be as much of a challenge as her lung problems. Throughout her life, it was challenging to keep her diabetes under control, which resulted in many hospitalizations and other health complications.

She lived a lot of her young life in an institution not because of her developmental disabilities but because of the many challenges and physical illnesses she had as a young child that was a hardship on her mom as a single parent. Even though Vickie did not live at home, she was very much loved by her mom and her older sister Laural. Vickie was never formally educated – she learned some sign language – but she was a very smart lady. Even though Vickie was nonverbal, those who had the wonderful opportunity of knowing Vickie knew what she was communicating; she had a way of knowing and getting you to know what she was trying to get across.

From her late teens to her late 20s, Vickie moved back to her family home in Butte. She then moved for a short while to a nursing home in Butte before moving to her present home in Missoula. Vickie moved to Missoula in the fall of 1990 to receive services from Missoula Developmental Service Corp. She first lived at the South Hills Group Home before moving to Kent Street Medical Group Home. In her 22 years with MDSC, Vickie made numerous friends and created lasting memories for everyone who had the luxury of knowing her.

Vickie got a job sorting mail at the University of Montana, an amazing feat for someone who could not read, write, speak or hear. She had amazing colleagues who learned "Vickie's sign" and accepted her as their co-worker. She loved her job and she wore her UM Campus Mail Service Griz shirt proudly. Vickie worked at the UM for 19 years then "retired" when the mailroom was automated.

Her sister and guardian Laural stated, "Her life at MDSC was the best she ever had. She was surrounded by friends and loving staff who became her family. We worked together to make her life as good as it could be and I am forever grateful for all of the people at MDSC for giving so freely of themselves."

Together we all mourn the passing of Vickie. She had a happy soul always, and always a positive outlook on life. She was an inspiration to all who were fortunate to be in her presence. We have lost a special sister and friend but are comforted knowing she is free from all disabilities and is smiling down upon us today.

Vickie is survived by her sisters and brothers, Laural, James, Paula, Thomas and Sheryl; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews; as well as all of her friends and "family" of MDSC.

A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 19 at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 217 Tremont St., with Father Reller officiating with a reception to follow to celebrate the life of Vickie. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in Vickie's name to MDSC, 1005 Marshall St.,

Read Vickie Lester's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.