Madelyn Foster

1928 - 2013

With deep sadness the family of Madelyn (Bunnie) Foster announces her passing on January 10, 2013, in Ventura, Calif.

Madelyn was born in Meadville, Pa., to John and Sarah Petruso on December 3, 1928. She graduated from Edinboro University in Edinboro, Pa., with a degree in Education. She then taught elementary school in Long Island, N.Y. She met Frank Foster of Pecos, Texas, an Army Officer, on a double date with a hometown friend in Long Island in 1954. They were married six months later in Nome, Alaska, where Frank was stationed with the U.S. Army. Madelyn taught elementary school-aged native Eskimo children while in Nome. Thereafter, Madelyn and Frank lived in many cities while Frank worked as an engineer for Sperry Corporation: Lindenhurst, N.Y.; Tucson, Ariz.; Limestone, Maine; Roswell, N.M.; Charlottesville, Va.; Ridgecrest, Calif.; Woodbury, N.J.; and San Diego, Calif., before settling in Ventura. Madelyn earned a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education which she later taught at Ventura, Oxnard and Moorpark Colleges.

In addition to her career in education, Madelyn became a travel agent and was an enthusiastic world traveler. She was a long time member of the American Association of University Women, volunteering her efforts on the scholarship committee for young women. In addition to being a devoted wife and mother, Madelyn enjoyed tutoring, cooking, shopping and painting.

In addition to her husband Frank, Madelyn is survived by her daughters, Lorrie Foster of Montclair, N.J., and Julie Hedrick of Ojai, Calif.; her son, Larry Foster of South Glastonbury, Connt.; her sons-in-law, Mark SaFranko and Daniel Hedrick; her daughter-in-law, Susan Foster; her grandchildren, Jack SaFranko, Andrew Hedrick, Kelsey Foster and Lindsey Foster.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, February 19, 2013, at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 10800 Henderson Road, Ventura. In lieu of flowers, donations in Madelyn's memory may be made to Catholic Charities USA - P.O. Box 17066, Baltimore, Maryland, 21297; to Catholic Relief Services - 228 West Lexington Street, Baltimore, Md 21201, or to a charity of your choice.