By Pam Cole

Ocean County, NJ, Feb. 20, 2006—Less than a month after winning her year-long battle to leave her pension benefits to her domestic partner, Ocean County police veteran Laurel Hester has died. Hester had become well-known for her outspoken battle with Ocean County, which included a highly-publicized video of her pleading her case. In the video, Hester, who was too ill to appear before the county board in person, was bald from chemotherapy and gasping for breath.

"If Stacie could receive my pension benefits, it would make all the difference in the world. All I'm asking for is that you sign the resolution, and make a change...a change for good, a change for righteousness, and a change in the lives of so many people that have dedicated themselves to county government," Hester said.

New Jersey law lets each county decide whether to allow domestic partners to inherit county employee benefits. In the mass of media surrounding Hester's case, several New Jersey counties did just that. However, Ocean County held firm in their opposition, issuing a rejection of Hester's plea as recently as January 20, 2006. Once the video became public, Ocean County received much criticism from gay rights and other public interest groups, and decided to reverse their decision on Jan. 25, 2006.

Because of her efforts, Hester's partner, Stacie Andree, will receive Hester's benefits from the Police and Firemen's Retirement System. It was Hester's wish that Andree would receive the benefits so that she could continue to afford to live in the home that the couple shared for six years. On Saturday, Hester died in that home with her partner at her side.

A memorial service will be held at noon Saturday, March 4 at St. Mary's By the Sea Episcopal Church, 804 Bay Ave., Point Pleasant Beach in New Jersey. Memorial contributions may be made to the Laurel Hester Scholarship Fund/TPLF, c/o The Personal Liberty Fund, P.O. Box 11335, New Brunswick, NJ 08906-1335