News
In Loving Memory: Barbara Lester, faculty emerita
Message from Head of School Rachel Rodriguez to the Ransom Everglades alumni community on July 14:
Dear RE Community,
It is with a heavy heart that I share the loss of faculty emerita Barbara Lester, who passed away July 12 after complications from a fall. She was 85. Barbara was a student favorite and faculty stalwart during her 42 years at Ransom Everglades, and her work on RE’s marine science program was transformative. She brought a joy to teaching that was contagious.
A native of England, Barbara arrived at the Everglades School for Girls in 1972, then moved to the upper school after the merger with the Ransom School. Among other roles, she served as Director of Marine Programs and chair of the science departments on both campuses. She loved taking students on the bay and delighted generations with her unforgettable “amoeba dance.”
For years she lived in faculty housing at the Ransom Campus, sharing a front porch and backyard with the great Dan Leslie Bowden, who became a dear friend. With the support of students and the RE Parents’ Association, she encouraged the school to purchase a Carolina skiff for the science department. The selected boat was named after her, and there have been three iterations of the Barbara L since.
After her retirement in 2014, an annual student award – the Barbara Lester Environmental Science Award – was created in her honor. She recently reflected on her time at Ransom Everglades during an interview with Maggie Pearson ’80, assistant director of alumni engagement, stating: “I enjoyed the kids so much, especially taking them out on field trips. And there’s nothing like hearing 'I don’t remember much about your class, but I do remember when you imitated an amoeba!'”
Barbara is survived by her dear son, Michael Lester, a computer security consultant and instructor, and two sisters, Nikki and Cherry, who reside in England. Michael is planning a private memorial service. Those who wish to share condolences with Michael may reach him by email or mail:
Michael Lester
888 Biscayne Blvd
Apt 4011
Miami, FL 33132
On behalf of the RE community, I wish Michael and Barbara's sisters peace and comfort during this difficult time.
888 Biscayne Blvd
Apt 4011
Miami, FL 33132
On behalf of the RE community, I wish Michael and Barbara's sisters peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Middle School
2045 South Bayshore Drive, Coconut Grove, FL 33133Phone: 305 250 6850
Upper School
3575 Main Highway, Coconut Grove, FL 33133Phone: 305 460 8800
Founded in 1903, Ransom Everglades School is a coeducational, college preparatory day school for grades 6 - 12 located on two campuses in Coconut Grove, Florida. Ransom Everglades School produces graduates who "believe that they are in the world not so much for what they can get out of it as for what they can put into it." The school provides rigorous college preparation that promotes the student's sense of identity, community, personal integrity and values for a productive and satisfying life, and prepares the student to lead and to contribute to society.