Hester Paterson

SOUTH BURLINGTON – Hester Paterson, 101, former Registrar and Assistant to the Dean of the Vermont Junior College, passed away on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at the McClure Miller Respite House in Colchester.

Born on April 9, 1923, she was the daughter of Leroy and Alice (Lovett) Heath. After graduation from Spaulding High School and the University of Vermont, Hester worked as a publicist for General Merritt A. Edson USMC, retired, for five years before accepting the position of Registrar at Vermont Junior College which she held until the fall of 1957.

On June 18, 1955, she married Gordon Paterson. They moved to Burlington in 1957, where Gordon would attend graduate school and later become the Treasurer of the University of Vermont. Hester became an active member of the community serving the boards of the YWCA and the Vermont Girl Scouts and was one of the early presidents of the Women of UVM. She also volunteered at the local library for many years. She was a very active lifetime member of the Burlington Garden Club serving two years as President and participating in several of its major activities throughout the years.  She organized, and she and a high school classmate published a class newsletter for 20 years.

Hester enjoyed reading, trying new recipes, gardening, flower arranging, knitting, golfing, and rifle target shooting. She was a member of the Burlington Garden Club, Kwiniaska Golf Club, the Order of the Eastern Star, and Klifa Club.

Family was first and most important to Hester, and she and Gordon were devoted to each other in marriage for 69 years. She also enjoyed her friendships and always had time for them, especially for young people who sought her confidence.

Hester is survived by her husband, Gordon, and several cousins.

Per her wishes there will be no services at this time.