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Joycelyn Foster Obituary

Mrs. Joycelyn V. (Joy) Foster, 74, of Christiansburg, Va., passed away at her residence surrounded by her two children, Michael Paul and Elizabeth Foster Stanziale, after a five-year battle with cancer. Born on August 11, 1935, in Besoco, W.Va., she was the daughter of the late George Edward Via Sr. and Burgia E. Via. She was preceded in death by her brother, Jack E. Via; sister, Jewel V. Smith; as well as brother-in-law, Hugh W. Huff Jr. In addition to her children, she is survived by her beloved grandsons, Dominick and Christopher Stanziale and son-in-law, Rick Stanziale, of Jefferson, Ga.; brothers, George E. Via Jr., of Richmond, Va., and Dr. David L. Via and wife, Betsy, of Virginia Beach, Va.; sister, Hope Shrewsberry, of Roanoke, Va.; sister-in-law, Mrs. (Ann) Hugh W. Huff, of Pulaski, Va.; many special nieces and nephews.
Joy graduated from Christiansburg High School in 1952. She attended Radford College for a time but chose to marry the love of her life, Paul H. Foster Jr. She was married for six years before losing him to cancer, leaving her to raise two children. While working as a library aide in the Montgomery County Public School System, she went to Radford College at night to obtain her BS degree in business and her MS degree in Library Media Specialist. She worked as a librarian at Christiansburg Primary School and Auburn High School. She was chosen by the Marquis WHO'S Who Publications Board to be included in their 1993 to 1994 edition of Who's Who of American Women. She was also honored at the Virginia Educational Media Association meeting in 1999 with the Meritorious Service Award based on her exemplary service.
After 28 years in the public school system, Joy retired in 2000. She remained active with the Montgomery County Retired Teachers' Association and served on the board of the Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library. She was an active member of Christiansburg Presbyterian Church where she sang in the choir for 56 years and was an ordained Elder. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren; and enjoyed volunteering at the Montgomery County Museum, playing bridge with her friends, traveling, special beach trips, reading, movies, and was always up for eating out with friends.
Her children are eternally grateful for the strong spirit, determination, hard work, and perseverance that she demonstrated throughout her entire life and illness and all the ways she took care of them until her death. They would like to thank all her family and friends for their support and love for her throughout her life.
The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 21, 2009, at the Christiansburg Presbyterian Church with a funeral service to follow at 2 p.m. Interment will follow at Sunset Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, you may make contributions to Christiansburg Presbyterian Church or to the Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library Fund. The Foster family is being served by Horne Funeral Service. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.hornefuneralservice.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Roanoke Times from Nov. 20 to Nov. 21, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Joycelyn Foster

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Lisa (Epperly) Marie

November 30, 2009

Elizabeth - I was so sorry to hear about your mother. She was such a nice lady. In Sympathy, Lisa (Epperly) Marie

November 28, 2009

Elizabeth and Mike:
I was so sad to hear about the loss of your Mother. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
When I heard the news I told David some of the wonderful memories I have of your Mother. Do you remember she gave me a gift of money to purchase a coat for my first winter in PA for Grad School.
She will be missed and I only hope both of you have the best of memories to make you happy.
Take care,
Dinah Alderman Rengel
Brooklyn, NY

Shirley Frazier Akers

November 23, 2009

Mike
My thoughts and prayers are with you and may all the memories of her bring you comfort.

Stephanie Tawney

November 21, 2009

Mrs Foster was a sweet lady who will be missed. She was the librarian at Auburn when I was in high school.The last several years I have had the pleasure of seeing and speaking with her on many occasions. She will be greatly missed.

November 20, 2009

Dear Elizabeth & Michael,
Dad and Mom told me today about your mother's passing. I'm sorry to hear about it. Joy came down here with Mom and two others in May. It was a pleasure getting to know her again after all these years. She was upbeat, humorous and interesting to talk to. She frequently mentioned you all and the grandkids. May the good memories she's given you cheer you through the years.
Steve Taylor
Hilton Head

Will and Kay Smith

November 20, 2009

Kay and I were so sorry to hear of Aunt Joy's passing. She always held a special place in my heart...being the youngest of my aunts, I always thought she was "cool". And, as an adult I always appreciated her warmth, her wisdom and her compassion. She will truly be missed. Our condolences to Michael and Elizabeth and family. Our thoughts are with you.

Laurie Piampiano

November 20, 2009

Extending my deepest sympathy on the loss of your mother and praying that your faith will give you strength in this sad time.

Although I haven't seen Mrs. Foster since Elizabeth and I were in college together, I remember her to be a lovely lady who did such a wonderful job raising two strong & compassionate children.

I know she will me missed!

November 20, 2009

I'll miss you, Joy. Paula.

W. Richard and Janice Shelton

November 20, 2009

Mrs. Foster's passing saddens all who knew her. She was always gracious, a true lady in all respects. She visited our home this past summer and we enjoyed her being with us, as much as she seemed to enjoy herself. The day was even lovelier because she was there.

May God's peace and comfort be with you, Mike and Elizabeth, in the coming days. Keep hold of the special memories of your very special mother.

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