Frances A. Foster

Frances Arlene Foster of Vestal, NY, passed away on January 8th, 2020.  Born on June 20th, 1931 to Ivan and Celia Willett in East Corinth, Maine, she is survived by her sister Winona Davis, sons Barry (Sharon), James (Sarah) and Kenneth L Foster, her grandsons Hayden (Lisa), Justin (Diana) and Brandon (Kristin) Foster, her granddaughter Carissa Ling and great-granddaughter Emma Foster.  She is predeceased by her husband Kenneth S Foster, and her son Gregory Allan Foster

After growing up in rural Maine, where she attended grades 1 through 12 in a one room schoolhouse, Frances graduated from the University of Maine in 1953.   She was 3rd runner up in the Miss Maine Beauty Pageant of 1952.  She moved to Vestal NY in 1963 with her husband Kenneth S Foster, where she raised her four sons.  Fran survived many hardships throughout her life, but none greater than the death of her beloved son Gregory.

For over 15 years, during a time in which her sons had left the area, Fran found a surrogate family while employed at the Children’s Home of the Wyoming Conference.  Employed as the cook at the Emergency Shelter, Fran nurtured and helped guide the lives of hundreds of children who had come from the most heart-breaking circumstances.  She also provided support and counsel for her co-workers.  She loved bowling and played in 2 local leagues until she was 85.  Fran was a loving mother, and a kind, gentle soul.   She had a quiet strength, and a simple grace that not only carried her through hardship and strife but brought compassion and inspiration to the lives she touched.  Her radiant smile and sparkle in her eye will be missed.

A Memorial service will be held 2 pm Saturday, Jan 18, 2020 at SAVAGE-Demarco Funeral Home 1605-1609 Witherill St. Endicott, NY 13760.  Friends may call Saturday from1p.m. until the time of service.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.SavageFS.com.  In lieu of flowers please make contributions in her memory to Boston Children's Hospital.  

Donations may be made by copying and pasting this link     https://secure.childrenshospital.org/site/Donation2?df_id=4322&mfc_pref=T&4322.donation=form1&s_src=FORM1940RD

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