Joy Ann Lester

Oscoda, Michigan and Englewood, Florida

Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed away on Sunday, November 24, 2024, at Covenant HealthCare – Cooper, with her family at her side. Age 84 years. 

The daughter of the late Frank and Louise (Juras) Haman, Joy was born on October 21, 1940, in Winegars, Michigan. She graduated from Saginaw High School with the class of 1959. She married the loved of her life, Ronald “Ron” Lester, on February 11, 1961. They shared 63 wonderful years together. He survives her. Joy served in various roles throughout her career before becoming a supervisor at Michigan Bell Telephone Co., retiring after 25+ years of loyal and dedicated service. She enjoyed quilting and sewing, often finding joy in creating beautiful pieces. Joy was also an avid shopper. She held a special fondness for Florida, where she cherished the time spent picking up shells along the beach. Above all, Joy cherished the time spent with her family and loved ones. 

Surviving besides her husband, Ron Lester; are their daughters, Kimberly Luberda, Carol Buzzard, Katherine (Jeffrey) Hansen, Christine Brethauer (Matthew Hanafin), Tammy (Mark) Dudek; grandchildren, Amanda Luberda, Sarah (Mike) Waddell, Shawn Wilson, Amber Wilson (Nick Anderson), Valerie Hansen (husband, Alex Traxs), Erik (Yecenia) Brethauer, Megan Brethauer (Hecson Sotomayor), Josie Dudek, Allison (Paris) Smith-Curry, Samantha Dudek; several great-grandchildren; sisters, Roseann (Patrick) Thompson and Debbie Hartung. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and loved ones. Besides her parents, Joy was preceded in death by her brothers, Frank Haman and Michael C. Haman. 

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff of Covenant HealthCare for their kind and compassionate care of Joy.

Funeral service will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, December 2, 2024, at W.L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 4480 Mackinaw Rd, Saginaw, MI 48603. Rev. Fr. Steven M. Gavit to officiate. Honoring Joy’s wishes, cremation will follow. Friends may visit the family from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service on Monday at the funeral chapel. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. 

Please share your condolences and memories with the family at the visitation, service, or online at https://www.casefuneralhome.com