Mary Ellen Forster

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Mary Ellen Forster, who peacefully passed away on Sunday, December 29, 2024, surrounded by her loving family in Westford, MA, just a month after celebrating her 100th birthday.
Mary was born on November 25, 1924, in Maynard, Massachusetts, to Ellen and John Punch. She was the youngest of four children and was predeceased by her brother John Punch and her sisters Katharine Cutaia and Helen Punch, all of Maynard.
Mary graduated from Maynard High School in 1942, where she served as vice president of her class. After graduation, she worked on the draft board before taking a position as a secretary for the Dewey and Almy Chemical Company in Cambridge. Mary later paused her career to raise her children, but eventually returned to the workforce as an administrative assistant at Digital Equipment Corporation, where she worked for many years before retiring in 1995
In 1952, Mary met her lifelong love, John G. Forster, on a train from Boston to New York as they traveled to watch the Red Sox battle the Yankees. This chance encounter marked the beginning of a beautiful love story. Mary and John were married in 1954 at her family home on 106 Powdermill Road, where they went on to raise their children: Ellen, John, James, Martha, Kevin, Daniel, and Jennifer. They shared many joyful years together until her husband's passing in 1982.
Mary was predeceased by her two oldest children, Ellen in 1976 and John in 2013. She continued to be a loving and dedicated mother to her remaining children, as well as a cherished grandmother to her 12 grandchildren and great-grandmother to 14 great-grandchildren. She lived independently at her home, surrounded by the love of her family, until her 94th birthday.
Known for her warm heart, nurturing spirit, and sharp wit, Mary was a pillar of strength and love for her family. Her home was the center of sprawling and loving collection of extended family and friends that gathered there without the need for a formal invitation every holiday, graduation or family event.
Mary eventually moved from her home to an assisted living facility for her final years. She continued to charm and delight her new neighbors and family providing insight and humor to everyone she met. Mary will be remembered for her unwavering devotion to her children and grandchildren, and for her ability to make everyone feel welcome and loved in her presence.
A burial service will take place in Glenwood Cemetery, 260 Great Road, Maynard on Saturday, January 11th, at 11:30 a.m. followed by a celebration of Mary's life at the Maynard Lodge of Elks at 12 noon for family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mary's memory to the American Cancer Society at donate.cancer.org or to the Alzheimer's Association at alz.org/donate
Mary's legacy of family, love, devotion, and independence will live on forever in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her.