Maura Lester died peacefully on July 30, 2026 in her home at the Lester Farm in New Haven, Vt. 

Born January, 1944 in Bronx, NY to Edward and Eileen Fitzgerald; Maura grew up in Rochelle Park, NJ. Her passion for academics led Maura to earning degrees in Russian from Fordham University and Architecture from Pratt Institute. 

Driven by a love of learning and discovery, Maura developed lifelong friendships in her career as an editor for Wiley and Son Publishing Inc, and later as a freelance architect. 

In 2004, Maura and her cherished husband, Sam moved from Long Island to renovate a former Ira Allen homestead (Potter Farm) in New Haven, Vt. Together they opened the Lester Farm & Market, which provides fresh produce to local residents, restaurants, schools and other institutions throughout the state. A true farmer, Maura was equally happy working the fields with Sam on her tractor and running the market. In her time on the farm Maura developed cherished friendships with both employees and customers. The off season allowed them to travel the US and Canada with their beloved dogs, Tucker and Duster. Maura was particularly fond of their 2018 adventure to County Sligo, Ireland which allowed her to explore her heritage and family history. Maura and Sam’s annual sojourn to Key West allowed her to see treasured friends and enjoy sunset celebrations. 

An accomplished artist, Maura’s patience and attention to detail was evident in her many knitting and quilting creations, pottery and watercolor paintings. An avid reader, Maura had a knack for recommending the best books. 

Maura is survived by her husband, Sam, of New Haven; her sister, Eileen Coleman, and her husband, Bill, of New Jersey; her sister-in-law, Sue Fitzgerald, of Vermont; her mother-in-law, Rose Lester, of Florida; her stepson, Matt, of New York; many nieces and nephews; and her lifelong friend, Victoria Rainert, of New York. 

She was predeceased by her parents and her brother, Jack Fitzgerald. 

A gathering to celebrate Maura’s life will be held in the fall. 

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Addison County Home Health and Hospice.