Mary Reuding Lester, 84, a resident of Severna Park for 50 years, died July 19 at Sunrise Assisted Living in Annapolis after a brief illness.

Mrs. Lester was born in Baltimore on Jan. 5, 1920, and graduated from Eastern High School. She was a member of the Eastern High School Alumnae Association.

She owned race horses that raced at Laurel, Pimlico and Bowie. Her hobbies included sewing and crocheting. Her needlework was awarded ribbons at the Maryland State Fair.

Her husband, William K. Lester Sr., died on May 7, 2004

Surviving are her daughter, Robin Woodard of Stevensville; her son, William K. Lester Jr. of Harper, Texas; her sister, Betty Robinette of Providence, R.I.; six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Visitation is from 5 to 7 p.m. tomorrow at Barranco and Sons Severna Park Funeral Home, 495 Ritchie Highway. Funeral services will be held at noon Friday at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 689 Ritchie Highway, Severna Park. Burial will follow in Loudon Park Cemetery, 3700 Wilkins Ave., Baltimore.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the National Alzheimers Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, Ill. 60601.

As published in The Capital Newspaper, Annapolis, MD on July 21, 2004