Obituary of Mary Louise Kester

Mary (Peterson) Kester, 73, passed away peacefully at home on May 29th, 2021 after a long illness. She was born and raised in Iowa, and graduated with honors from the University of Northern Iowa in 1969 with a Bachelors degree in art, and a speciality in fiber. From 1970 to 1979 she worked as a free-lance artist, an assistant gallery director, and co-founded two artist studio guilds in Omaha, Nebraska. In 1979, she moved to Syracuse and enrolled at Syracuse University in pursuit of a Master of Fine Arts degree, which she earned in 1981. She taught classes in fiber art for several years at SU, then in the mid 80's embarked on a free-lance career of 30 years. She created large, three dimensional tapestries, coiled baskets and felted pieces, and exhibited locally, regionally and nationally, receiving many awards and citations for her work. Her works have been purchased by businesses and private collectors nationwide. She traveled extensively, especially to Ireland and France, visiting neolithic stone sites which influenced many of her tapestries. Coming from a family of educators, she taught artist-in-the school workshops in several area districts, providing elementary school kids a taste of fiber art. She was a dedicated runner, a fleet-footed outfielder on several recreational softball teams, a wonderful cook, and a respectable pianist. She also sang and played penny whistle in the acoustic band Folkstrings. She was a devoted wife and mother, and will be deeply missed by family and friends. She is survived by her husband Michael, her son Nathan (Kelly), her granddaughter Claire, as well as two brothers and a sister, four nephews and two nieces. Calling hours will be held at Falardeau Funeral Home in Baldwinsville on Saturday, June 5th from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. A celebration of Mary's life and work will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to any neurodegenerative disease research fund.