Mary Louise Foster

Mary Louise Foster, 89, of Concord, passed away Monday, October 2, 2023, at Morningside Assisted Living in Concord.

Born to the late Juddie Farrington Furr and the late Mary McCall Furr on January 18, 1934, Louise grew up with her close-knit siblings Bill, Meta, Barbara, Watson, and Phyllis. This  strong bond continued throughout their lives as they gathered for huge family meals and holiday celebrations.  This closeness continued up until Louise’s death with her only surviving sister, Phyllis Bennett (Tyler) providing frequent visits and comfort.

In 1952, Louise married Gene Alexander Foster (deceased), and they started their own family.  They had 3 children, Gary Foster (LuAnn), Karen Israel (Paul) and Keith.  Her love and devotion to family was best exemplified by her attentiveness to Keith, as he was a special needs child.  He remained in her care until shortly before his death in 2020.  

Devotion to God and service to church were two more  pillars in Louise’s life.  After becoming members of Westford United Methodist Church early in their marriage,  Gene and Louise became active participants in church life.  They both served as board members and held the offices of church treasurer and secretary for several decades.  Louise also taught Sunday School, sang in the choir and held district and national level offices in the United Methodist Women.

Louise, of course, had her unique idiosyncrasies.  Her hair was always first on her mind whenever she was going anywhere she might be "seen".  She would fluff it up and spray it into shape before venturing outside. The possibility of rain meant that all sorts of hair coverings had to be stuffed in her purse. And absolutely nothing could keep her from making it to her weekly hair appointment.  While she had quite a good collection of home remedies for minor childhood ailments, in her heart she truly believed there was nothing that couldn't be fixed with a huge bite of peanut butter or a spoonful of PeptoBismol. Her children to this day live in fear of bright pink medicine.   Louise enjoyed a good joke, especially if it was made to lovingly tease her.  She thought horrible puns were the best. She had an unnerving addiction to Perry Mason, Andy Griffith and Law and Order reruns.  If they were still in black and white, she enjoyed them more.  

Her family and friends will always remember her smile and laughter whenever they were together.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 am - 12:45 pm, Saturday, October 28, 2023, at Hartsell Funeral Home of Concord. The funeral service will be on Saturday at 1:00 pm at Hartsell Funeral Home of Concord in Concord officiated by Pastor Jeffery Rushing. A burial will follow at the Carolina Memorial Park Kannapolis at Hwy. 29N at I85, Exit 58, Concord.  

Memorials may be made to Westford United Methodist Church, 273 State Hwy 49, Concord, NC 28025,   or to Hospice and Palliative Care of Cabarrus County, 5003 Hospice Lane, Kannapolis, NC 28081.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Concord is serving the family.