Carolyn Marie Foster, 63, passed away peacefully on Jan. 11 at the Gregory Wing in Boothbay Harbor with her loving family by her side. She was born in Montclair, N.J., the daughter of the late Mario and Margaret McKnight Messa on Feb. 6, 1950.
Growing up in Sudbury, Mass., Carolyn was a graduate of Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School and went on to attend college at the University of Maine where she graduated with a bachelor of science degree in nursing. Carolyn did her training at Maine Medical Center, continuing on until taking time off to raise children. Later her career eventually brought her to St. Andrew’s Hospital and a community she fell in love with.
Carolyn was one of six children and, with her husband Gregory, raised five children of her own. She never missed a concert, game, or recital. Carolyn was a devoted pastor’s wife and was very active in the parishes to which they were appointed. She enjoyed playing the piano and organ, singing, and teaching Sunday school. Carolyn’s compassion and care showed through especially when working with her patients, with a calm, loving bedside demeanor that was nothing short of superior to everyone she cared for. Carolyn was known to make everyone feel comfortable no matter the circumstances.
As a member of the Sheepscot Valley Chorus for several years, Carolyn loved to sing with the group, and especially enjoyed the Christmas and Easter concerts. Favorite times were spent at the family camp on Lake Willoughby, Vt., where she exhibited her adventurous, pioneering spirit. She cherished the many memories they made there with her family, as well as her extended families. Carolyn was a tremendous example to her peers and to her church community. She was a devout Christian woman, a true reflection of who God is and will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by all that knew and loved her.
She was predeceased by a brother, Donald Messa.
Survivors include her loving husband of 38 years, Rev. Gregory Foster of Wiscasset; children, Grace West and husband Marty of West Newton, Mass., Margaret Foster of Portland, Joel Foster and wife Dawn of Sudbury, Mass., Daniel Foster and fiancée Elyse Neilan of Portsmouth, R.I., and Abigail Foster of Wiscasset; sisters, Jean Warman and husband David of Topsham, Diane Varela and husband Venancio of Spain, Elizabeth Beers and husband Gregory of Lunenburg, Mass., and Beatrice Woodward and husband Geoffrey of Glen Mills, Penn.; grandchildren, Quinn and Samuel West of West Newton, Mass.; sister-in-law, Andrea Whittaker and husband Edward of Arcadia, Fla.; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A time of visitation will be held 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., Thurs., Jan. 16 at Simmons, Harrington & Hall Funeral Home, 975 Wiscasset Rd., Boothbay. A celebration of life will be held 11 a.m., Fri., Jan. 17 at the First United Methodist Church of Boothbay Harbor with Pastor Ami Sawtelle officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD), Radnor Station Building 2, Suite 320, 290 King of Prussia Rd., Radnor, PA 19087 or go to the website, www.theaftd.org to donate on line.
You are invited to share your condolences, photos, and memories with the family by visiting their Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Simmons, Harrington & Hall, Boothbay.
