Gloria E. Foster

GLORIA E. FOSTER (NEE WILLIAMS) VALPARAISO, IN Gloria E. Foster (nee Williams), age 86, of Valparaiso, passed away on Tuesday, February 19, 2013 at VNA Hospice in Valparaiso. Mrs. Foster was originally from Northwest Indiana and had most recently been living in the Valparaiso area, but had also lived and worked in the Bloomington/Normal, IL area for more than 20 years. Gloria is survived by four children: Kathryn (Billy Burden) Foster of Bloomington, IL, Bruce (Jeanne) Foster of Valparaiso, IN, Douglas (Christine) Foster of Valparaiso, IN, and Stephen (Yasuko) Foster of Hoffman Estates, IL; 13 grandchildren; and nine great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, William D. "Don" Foster; son, William D. Foster Jr.; and brother, Joseph B. Williams. Mrs. Foster was born in Gary, IN and graduated from Fortville High School. Gloria was an accomplished pianist and artist and earned her degree from Stephens College in Columbia, MO. She married "Don" Foster in 1947. They made their home in Merrillville and then later in Crown Point. In 1988 Gloria moved to Bloomington, IL. She worked as a medical records secretary at Americana (Manor Care) Long Term Care, retiring in 1998. Gloria then began working at the Stained Glass Studio at 1 Normal Plaza where she helped with the restoration of the Oxford Stained glass windows that now hang in the Illinois Wesleyan University Library. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Crown Point and later of the Second Presbyterian Church in Bloomington. Gloria enjoyed flying, golfing, horseback riding as well as needlework and her stained glass work. Her love for travel took her to Alaska and around the world on the final voyage of the Queen Elizabeth II. Gloria's fierce independence and determination were an inspiration to all who knew her and she will be missed. Friends may visit with the family on Friday, February 22, 2013 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at Geisen Funeral and Cremation Services, 7905 Broadway, Merrillville, IN. There will be a private graveside service for Mrs. Foster at Calumet Park Cemetery in Merrillville, IN. Memorial donations may be made in Gloria's memory to VNA Hospice, 2401 Valley Drive, Valparaiso, IN 46383. Sign guestbook or view directions at: www.GeisenFuneralHome.com(219) 769-3322