Arnette Sandland Lester

Arnette Sandland Lester passed away November 10, 2013, with friends and family at her side. She suffered for the last 10 years from Frontotemporal Dementia and died from complications of the disease. Arnette Christine Sandland was born September 12, 1952 in Spokane, Washington, the daughter of Arnold Clifford Sandland and Dorothy Louise Sandland (Pittenger). She spent her childhood years in Washington State and graduated from Pacific Lutheran University with a BS in Nursing in 1975. She worked as an RN in Oregon, Arizona, Washington and North Carolina. She got a Masters in Nursing from the University of Arizona with a Specialty in Cardiac Care. She later taught at Seattle Pacific University and at Wake Tech and Vance-Granville Community Colleges. Arnette was married to Paul Lester on March 5, 1988 in Tucson, Arizona. They were happily married for 25 years. Arnette loved being mother to their two children, Erin and Bryan. Throughout Arnettes life she had a strong faith and was active in the Lutheran Church wherever she lived. She was always engaged in serving others, and Erin and Bryan were always at her side. Arnette enjoyed many sports; jogging, tennis and hiking, and especially enjoyed the sun and the outdoors. She loved her entire extended family, and cherished her connections to many many friends. She was a wonderful wife, mother, sister, friend and servant of God. Arnette is survived by her husband, Paul Lester of Raleigh, her children Erin Lester and Bryan Lester of Raleigh, and her sister Mikeline Meurs of Maui, Hawaii. The family appreciates and thanks the many family and friends, near and far, who have supported them throughout Arnettes illness. A memorial service will be held Saturday November 16, 2013 at 2:00pm. The service will be at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church at 7000 Creedmoor Road, Raleigh. The family suggests that memorial donations may be made to the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (www.theaftd.org). Arrangements by Bryan-Lee Funeral Home of Raleigh.