Pauline (Polly) Y. Foster
February 16, 1930 ~ March 22, 2016
Falmouth Pauline (Polly) Foster, 86, died March 22, 2016 at home surrounded by her family. She was a daughter of the late Lucien and Alice (Gauvin) Lavoie. She graduated from Lewiston High School in 1947, St. Marys School of Nursing in 1950, and was employed at St. Marys Hospital until she married Rolland Foster in 1951. They settled in Bangor and she began working at the Eastern Maine General Hospital in Bangor. She temporarily left nursing to raise their growing family of seven children. The family moved to Falmouth in 1967, when her children were in their teens Polly went to work at Devonshire Manor for 10 years. She was a talented seamstress and enjoyed many types of handwork. She was especially proud of her French heritage. Most of all she enjoyed the many family gatherings and celebrating at her house or whoever was hosting the gettogether. She is predeceased by her husband of 57 years, Rolland Foster and her beloved grandson, Oliver Foster Boothby. She is survived by daughters, Elaine Boothby of Portland, Jane Kressbach and husband Andrew of Brunswick, Ann Edwards and husband Russ of Falmouth, Carol Foster and husband Peter Mailey of Falmouth; sons, Gary Foster and wife Terri of Yarmouth, James Foster and wife Heidi of Saco, Thomas Foster and wife Mia of CA; sister, Jeanne OConnell of CO; niece, Susan Raatikanen of Falmouth; nephew, John OConnell of CO; 11 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Visiting hours will be held on Sunday from 5-7 PM at Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland. Prayers will be recited on Monday at the Funeral Home at 10:15 AM followed by an 11 AM Mass of Christian Burial at St. Pius X Church, 492 Ocean Ave, Portland. Burial will at a later date this spring at Blanchard Cemetery, Falmouth. To view Pollys memorial page or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ctcrawford.com. Memorial contributions may be made in Pollys memory to the Preble Street Resource Center, 38 Preble Street, Portland.
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Mom, I’ve got the greatest memories of you! Knitting Icelandic sweaters & new mittens every winter.. Sewing beautiful quilts and curtains. I loved taking a class with you making lampshades for our blue striped crocks. As you said “we have a lot of fun together.” You made sure each of us felt special, and loved deeply.Mom you did everything you could to fight this disease. I was so proud of you! Your inner strength and courage you were blessed with throughout the years, stayed with you to the end. Our family will cherish the special quotes you wrote on a piece of scrap paper to be kept in our wallets! You were the most loving and caring mom to “ALL” 7 of us, along with our spouses, grandchildren & great grandchildren. You will be dearly missed by your only sister Jeanne and her family, along with your close friends and neighbors,Thank you for everything you did for us mom. Now it’s time for you to rest in peace. I will forever hold you close to my heart. I have loved you deeply and always will. Your Daughter Jane
– Jane E. Kressbach
We had the pleasure of having Polly as our neighbor for the past five years. Polly welcomed us to Colonial Village with open arms. Her warm, caring nature was immediately apparent. She was always friendly and loved to stop and chat while out checking our mail boxes. She will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Polly’s family.
– Bill and Diane Morse
Mrs Foster was in my life once I met Carol in the 5th grade and we became best friends. I was always in awe as to how Polly could handle such a large and busy household. She was kind and generous. I remember her cooking great meals for her family and anyone else (me) who happened to be lucky enough to land at her table. God’s speed on your next journey. It will be easier for you to keep tabs on us now :o) Love to you Carol, and the entire Family. Xoxo, Erin Elaine Beinema
– Erin Beinema
Mrs. Foster was a great lady that always had a smile for all of us coming and going through the Foster house as we were growing up in the old Falmouth neighborhood. Condolences to the entire Foster family.
– Jim Taplin
Dear Mom,After reading my condolence to you, i wanted to include that not only did you raise your own “7 kids,” but you also helped raise our cousin Suey. She was part of our large family, and fit right in. Sue is like a sister to us.When Sues loving mother (Joanne) passed away, you took the lead by reassuring Sue you would be her mom now. Your love showed no boundaries. Lastly, thank you for knitting the colorful newborn hats. You wanted each baby to be given one before they were discharged home. They were so soft and cozy. I know these lucky babies felt special wearing them Mom. Love you always,Jane
– Jane E. Kressbach
I had the pleasure of knowing her and her family in the neighborhood I grew up in Falmouth. I experienced her as kind and available. Condolences to the foster family.
– Brian Bickford
Dear Grammy,From day one you and Grampy have taken me in as a granddaughter and have loved me. Because of the distance between us, we never got a chance to see each other often but times we did were memorable. I can remember the first time you taught me how to make your delicious meatballs and how to play solitaire. Going on walks when you visited and attending my high school graduation. These are the memories I will always cherish. I’m so glad you got a chance to meet my husband Colin and we got to talk and see you one last time. You are loved and missed.
– Kim
Polly was an amazing mother of one of my best friends, Carol. She would welcome me into her home with a warm heart and big hug:)I will always cherish fond memories of her and the time spent at the Fosters home with Carol and Erin.Much love to Carol and the entire Foster Family.
– Betsy Bramhall Twombly
I send a prayer to you all in the lost of your mom .I hope you know how important she was to me in these 13 yr that I Have known her she has always had a sweet spirit about her and I will miss her.Elaine thanks to you I had the opportunity to meet your mom a wonderful spiritual woman. God Bless You All
– Michelle Dew-Rolle
Like my little sister, Erin, I spent many hours in the Foster household. Jane and I became friends in the 7th grade, and so for the next 6 years I often ate dinner there and stayed over night. Polly was as generous with the food as she was with her heart. She opened up her home to us, offered us adolescent girls valuable guidance, and we loved her like family. Our mothers became “true blue friends” as Polly used to say. Polly was the heart of a large and loving family, that meant so much to me growing up. There is a special place in heaven for a woman like Polly. My love to the entire Foster family during this time of loss.
– Faith Beinema Berardi
I know of this wonderful woman Polly, through the many stories as told by her daughter and my beloved friend Elaine. She certainly seemed to have had a very special, gentle kindness that is rare and treasured. She has passed that on to Elaine, so I feel as if I have known Polly by heart. My thoughts are with you all as you remember and celebrate your mom’s/ grandmother’s/friend’s cherished life.
– Liz Dieman
I remember when we were kids, Elaine spending the week with us on Big Lake at our camp in in Princeton. I remember looking up at your mom and thinking, gee she is so tall and beautiful. She was always smiling. I am so grateful my sister Madonna arranged a visit for mom and Polly to get together last year. It was wonderful seeing your mother and mom laughing together again after all those years. You are all in our prayers.
– Mary Mooney Mueller
Dear Elaine, Gary and All, Your Mum was such a good friend to my Mum Paula. I will hold her dear to my heart. I am thinking of you all. Love, Jeannie ox
– Jeannie Mooney, Australia
We were next door neighbors in Hampden. Mrs. Foster was the epitome of calm and organization raising her wonderful children. We missed their infectious enthusiasm when they moved to Falmouth. I hope your memories are a source of strength at this challenging time.
– Janet Bowne
My sincere condolences to the entire Foster family. I always had the utmost respect for your mother. I am so sorry for your loss. Hugs to you Jane.
– Jeanne (Lyford) Lambert
My sincere condolences to the Foster family. Pauline will be missed, she was the gentlest of souls and such a good friend. Our “girl’s lunches” will not be the same without her.Rest well dear friend.
– Georgette D’Amour
Gary, Terri and family.So sorry about your Mom’s passing. Rest in peace beautiful lady. Know we are thinking of you. Let the love, friends, family amd great memories that surround you help you find peace. We love you. (Great pictures)
– Cheryl and Greg Roux