Mary Lester
As described by her customers, her friends, and her colleagues, Mary Lester is someone who always makes time for others. This tremendous quality serves her well in her roles as producer and volunteer, and cultivates a deep connection with her customers and the youth of Newfoundland.
Mary was born into farming life in 1952 in the Newfoundland community of Kilbride. As the oldest of nine children, Mary learned the value of working hard. While she loved this way of life, her path changed when she became a nurse. But agriculture was in Mary’s blood, and upon marrying John Lester in 1972, the couple moved to Prince Edward Island and worked their own farm. Like many Newfoundlanders, Mary felt drawn home, and moved to the St. John’s area in 1983 where she created a home with her husband and four children. The couple began producing vegetables for the retail market, but Mary was not satisfied with this lifestyle.
In 1992, she re-invented herself once more and began selling their fresh farm produce at a roadside stand. Their Brookfield Road stand generated keen interest in the community to such a degree that Mary launched Lester’s Farm Market in 1994. This market provides the St. John’s and Mount Pearl communities with not only produce, but the opportunity to connect with this ambitious and kind woman. In the years since its inception, the market itself has grown incredibly in both size and the variety of products offered.
In addition to offering produce, Mary imparts knowledge of agriculture, a cheerful smile, and valuable advice. Mary is known for her kindness to children and her respect for older generations. Her commitment to agriculture shines through during school tours and her interactions with her customers. Besides her commitment to Lester’s Farm Market, Mary is dedicated to a variety of agricultural organizations. She has served on the Executive of the Provincial Farm Women Organization, having been a member for 25 years. During this time, she has organized conferences, Farm Field Days, and travel exchanges, all while promoting agriculture throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. Her commitment to the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Agriculture has seen her sit as Executive Member Director of Horticulture and serve on the Agriculture Awareness Committee.
Newfoundland youth have benefited immensely from Mary’s extensive involvement in the 4-H program. As a leader, judge, fundraiser, and Executive Council member Mary’s considerable commitment to 4-H has enabled hundreds of youth to learn by doing. Mary has served as an Organizational Leader in the 4-H Challenging Pioneers Club since 1984, dedicating 27 years of her life to engaging and empowering youth. Because of Mary’s belief in the importance of agriculture and educating our young people, 4-H participants have attended camps, international exchanges, leadership conferences, and competitions. As part of the Provincial 4-H Council she has helped establish new clubs and developed policies to advance the agricultural mandates of the organization.
Of the many adjectives used to describe Mary, she can be most proud of these: generous, daring and ambitious, kind, amazing, knowledgeable. Her dedication to the farming community has made her a well-respected producer and elevated the reputation of Lester’s Farm Market.
Nominated by the Sheep Producers Association of Newfoundland and Labrador for her dedication to her customers and the youth of Newfoundland, Mary Lester is certainly a most deserving inductee into the Atlantic Agricultural Hall of Fame.