John Bligh
- Teacher
Loida Allison Lester loved teaching in the Brownsville, Brooklyn, neighborhood where she spent most of her life. ” She wanted to make a meaningful contribution to the community in which she was raised,” said her sister Dr. Lynn Lester.
Born in Guyana, Loida was brought to the United States when she was 7.
Loida died on Aug. 9, 2021, of sarcoma, two weeks before her 49th birthday.
Loida taught at PS/IS 323. She began her career there in 2001 as a 1st-grade teacher and then taught mostly 5th and 6th grades. For the last decade, she taught middle school English language arts.
Her sister and her colleagues said Loida had a passion for teaching and was a mentor to many of her students.
“She was the kind of educator who shared her lunch break with students,” said her friend and colleague Carla Moore. “She cared for and loved her students as if they were her own children. They loved having lunch with her.”
Loida was recognized with a special commendation from Eric Adams, now the mayor, when he was the Brooklyn borough president.
Loida was a product of New York City public schools from elementary through graduate school. She earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Brooklyn College, a master’s degree in education from Brooklyn College and a master’s in public administration from the John Jay College of Criminal Justice.
After working for the federal Justice Department for four years, Loida spent the rest of her career as an educator. She was a UFT member for 21 years.
Loida was a Christian.
She was an avid reader and had a great sense of humor. She loved to laugh and found humor everywhere, even during times when she was in pain, her sister said.
Moore concurred. “Loida had an infectious laugh that could be heard throughout the school building,” Moore said. “She loved to laugh and make others laugh with her.”
Loida was very fashion-forward and had a particular fondness for stylish accessories in bold colors.
“We miss Loida at PS/IS 323,” said Moore, “but the many memories we have created with her will forever be with us.”
In addition to her sister Lynn, Loida is survived by her mother, Margaret E. Lester; sisters Ann Lester, Kim Lester and Lavergne L. Thatch and Lavergne’s husband, Stephen; brothers; nieces Cori, Elizabeth and Kristine; a nephew, Ari; aunts, uncles and cousins; and Moore, her dearest friend.
Donations in Loida’s memory may be made to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
