PHYLLIS (GAY) FOSTER

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

PHYLLIS (GAY) FOSTER 1932 - 2013 It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of our beloved mother, Gay Foster, on Thursday, September 26, 2013, at the age of 81 years. Mom was a model of perseverance and strength as she lived the last 18 years with various on-going cancers. As she courageously endured her setbacks, she continued to pass along an ever-loving and ever-giving spirit to her family. We all knew how much we were loved. Born in Selkirk, MB, Mom was the youngest daughter of Judge Frank and Mary Newman. After her primary school years were spent in Selkirk, she attended Rupert's Land College in Winnipeg, where as a border, made many life-long friends. After an initial start in Interior design at University of Manitoba, she switched career paths and became a radiology technician at Winnipeg General Hospital. Mom loved and thrived in the hospital setting. Mom spent her early years playing tennis and badminton where she met Art, her loving husband of 53 years. Children Christine and John followed shortly thereafter. She devoted her next 25 years to her family with special memories of the cottage at Whytewold Beach. Mom's hobbies included golf, tennis, sewing, gardening, bridge, decorating and curling. She loved her volunteer work with the CNIB and Chapman School Reading Program. She was an active member of the St. James Anglican Church and enjoyed the friendships of her PEO Chapter H sisters. In 1979 Mom made a decision to head back into the work force. With no practical experience other than being a mother and possessing an exceptional gift for reading people, backed by strong intuition and a knack for getting to the bottom of things - she became a private investigator for insurance claims. This was a career that she excelled at for the next ten years. Upon her and Dad's retirement, until illness first struck in 1995, they both enjoyed wonderful vacations, the company of lifelong friends and perhaps most importantly being surrounded by her children and grandchildren. Mom and Dad both suffered life changing illnesses and we were incredibly inspired as we watched the devotion between the two as they cared for each other during these times. Dad never left Mom's side in the early years of her being hospitalized and Mom spent every day for nine years caring for Dad in the nursing home. Mom's kindness was an inspiration and a lifelong lesson to her children Christine (Brian Boult) and John (Lori Sault), grandchildren - Kyle, Joanna, Jonathon and Ashley and great-grandson, Mason. Also to mourn her loss is her sister Christine McCarthy, nieces Martha Gay and Liz and cousin Jean McRae. She was predeceased by her parents Frank and Mary Newman and her beloved husband Art. The family would like to thank her many friends who provided loving comfort as well as their heartfelt gratitude to the exceptional nursing staff on 3 South at the Grace Hospital. A special thank you to Dr. Joshua, Dr. George and her long-time Oncologist, Dr. Brandes. Respecting Mom's wishes, a private family service will be held. In her memory, donations may be made to The Grace Hospital Foundation at 300 Booth Drive, Winnipeg, MB, R3J 3M7 or a charity of one's choice. Wojcik's Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, 2157 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, 204-897-4665, wojciksfuneralchapel.com The day was long, then night, then morn. I knew that soon you would be gone, I clasped your hand so warm in mine, Soon we would be out of time, To stay with us you fought so hard, A million pieces went my heart,

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 28, 2013