Obituary
Juanita Lester (Hobbs) passed peacefully away at her residence in Kenny’s Pond Retirement Centre with Carolyn, daughter, and Laura, granddaughter, by her side.
Reunited with her husband James and eldest daughter Glenys (Phillip Gushue). Predeceased by her parents: Richard and Helen Hobbs; sisters: Jean Abbott, Liz Hampton, and five infant siblings.
Left to mourn her brother: Wilbur Hobbs; sisters: Joan Squires, Sandra (Earle) Anderson; sister-in-law Joan Chapman; children: John (Mary), Colin (Patricia), Janet (Ian Dickieson), Carolyn (Terry) Penney, Tom (Karen); grandchildren: Heather, Jim (Michelle), Chris (Karen), Brad (Candice), Susan (Damian), Jill (Curtis), Craig, Nancy (Chris), Lindsay, Dale (Lyndsey), Ellan (Robert), Terrilyn (Brad), and Laura; 13 great-grandchildren plus 2 on the way; several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Juanita was born and raised in Elliston, NL. After graduating from Secretarial school in St. John’s, she married her handsome farmer, James, and was the matriarch of the Lester household. They operated a dairy and mixed farm in both Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island. She had been an active member in many organizations: Avalon, Provincial, Canadian, and International Farm Women’s Associations to name a few. She was an active supporter of the revitalization of the Federation of Agriculture in NL. She was inducted into the Atlantic Agricultural Hall of Fame in 1994. Along with her extensive involvement in the farm, she was involved in the Anglican Parish of St. Mary the Virgin church, Women’s Institute (NL and PEI), Girl Guides, and several choirs. Although she was busy with her external activities, she never shied away from being her family’s biggest cheerleader. She supported her children and grandchildren’s countless activities by attending as many as she could. She contributed volunteer work to organizations such as the Grace General Hospital and Saint Luke’s Senior Home.
A special thank you to the staff at Kenny’s Pond who played a part of keeping Juanita comfortable throughout her stay, specifically the 2nd floor staff: Marina, Linda, Amala, Vanessa, Nav, Jessica, Stacey, Lisa, Pam, and Joan. Also thank you to Mary MacDonald and Cathy Ivaney for your role in her care. Special thanks to all her close friends that were a part of her long life.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Juanita’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Society of NL.
Resting at Barrett’s Funeral Home, 328 Hamilton Avenue, St. John’s on Thursday September 8th and Friday September 9th from 2:00pm-4:00pm and 7:00pm-9:00pm. Funeral service will take place on Saturday September 10th at 10:00am from St. Mary the Virgin Anglican Church, Craigmiller Avenue, St. John’s. Interment to follow at the Anglican Cemetery, Forest Road.
To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit www.barretts.ca
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Juanita Lester Hobbs 2022..
Death notice for the town of: St-John’s, Province: T-N