To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.
Obituary
Cecilia Southern Lester
January 27, 1950 – July 30, 2026
Cecilia Southern Lester, 76, passed away peacefully on July 30, 2026, after a courageous battle with leukemia, surrounded by her loving family, whom she called the joy of her life. She was born January 27, 1950, in Warren, Ohio.
Above all else, Cecilia was a devoted mother and grandmother. Her children and grandchildren were the center of her world, and there was nothing she loved more than being with them—celebrating their accomplishments, sharing in their joys, and offering unwavering support through every stage of life. With her gentle heart and quiet strength, she made everyone she met feel loved and valued. Her love was constant, generous, and fierce—a gift her family will carry forever.
Cecilia dedicated more than 40 years to public education, serving as Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent of Westbrook Public Schools for 25 years, following 16 years as Administrative Assistant to the Principal at Haddam-Killingworth High School. Respected for her professionalism, kindness, and genuine care, she formed lasting friendships and touched the lives of countless students, families, and colleagues.
She is survived by her daughters, Christina LeBlanc (Jason) of Abington, Massachusetts, and Paula Lester-Rosenkrantz (Joe) of Clinton, Connecticut; her seven beloved grandchildren, Alexa (Pete), Carley, William, Ava, Samuel, Rosalie, and Daniel; her sister and best friend, Sharyn Lester (Danny); and her brother, William Southern III (Colleen). She is also mourned by her former husband, Joe Lester. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mildred Jessup and William Southern, Jr.; her sisters, Debbie Southern and Linda Doll; and her brother, Warren Southern.
A celebration of Cecilia’s life will be held September 13 at Bacari Social in Westbrook, CT, on the Connecticut shoreline she loved. To help the family with planning, we invite family, friends, and colleagues to RSVP below by September 1.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Blood Cancer United in support of her granddaughter Carley, who will run the Chicago Marathon this October in Cecilia's honor. Donation link: https://pages.lls.org/tnt/team/chicago26/cschmidt
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She was one of the most caring and compassionate people I have ever had the privilege of working with. Nothing seemed to rattle her. She approached every situation with professionalism, patience, and genuine warmth, making everyone who walked through the office feel welcome and valued.
One of Cecilia’s greatest joys was her family. She was endlessly proud of her grandchildren and always delighted in sharing stories about their lives and accomplishments. Her love for them was evident in every conversation.
Cecilia made a lasting difference in the lives of so many people, including mine. I will always be grateful for her friendship, her unwavering support, and the countless ways she made my work—and the lives of those around her—better. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.
Rich Carmelich
Celebration of Life
63 Pilots Point Drive, Westbrook, CT
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