Marianne Lester, avid reader, history buff
Marianne Lester, 72, of Milton, died Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020, at her winter home in Dunedin, Fla., after a long battle with cancer.
She is survived by lifetime partner, Bet Orr; and sister and brother-in-law Sharon and Randy Saunders. She is also survived by her nieces, Fallon and Michelle, and Michelle’s husband Scott Davis. Well-known in the area, Marianne will be greatly missed by many dear friends.
A graduate of American University, Marianne spent her 30-year career as a Washington, D.C. journalist. She entered the field with The Army Times Publishing Company and capped her career as editor-in-chief of the Federal Times.
Retiring to Milton in 1998, Marianne was active in the Milton Historical Society and a patron of the Milton Theatre. Marianne read broadly, and her interest in history and politics contributed to her mastery of trivia games and Sunday New York Times crossword puzzles.
The home she shared with her partner, Bet, on Mill Street is one of Milton’s oldest. After a meticulous and near-authentic restoration of the old property, the couple’s home was a favorite on the Milton Garden Tour.
Remembrances in honor of Marianne can be made to DelawareHumane.org.
