Veronica Alice Foster
June 11, 1906 ~ April 23, 2012
PEAKS ISLAND - Veronica Alice Foster, 105, of Peaks Island, died Monday April 23, 2012, at St. Joseph's Manor in Portland. She was born in London, England on June 11, 1906, the youngest of 5 children to James and Alice Jennings Foster. Her father was a Fine Cabinet maker, her mother loved music. Veronica attended school in England, and was sent to France in her teens to learn the language. Mrs. Foster lived through both WWI and WWII in England. Veronica was trained as a "Comptometer" operator, and worked at the Worthing Town Hall where she supervised the billing department for 12 years, some of those years where during WWII, where she would be on air-raid duty when she wasn't running the billing department. She often said the years she spent at the Worthing Town Hall were some of the best of her life. After WWII Mrs. Foster came to the United States, and became a US Citizen. She lived first in New York City, then moved to New Hampshire where she trained for and had a radio show for a number of years. Mrs. Foster also lived in Florida and worked as housekeeper for parish priests. Mrs. Foster came to Peaks Island almost 50 years ago and lived here, independently, until her 100th year. She worked at Portland Glass for a number of years, before retiring. Mrs. Foster was an avid gardener, and she met many people who became friends because they stopped to admire her gardens. Visitors were offered a cup of tea, some English biscuits, and a story or two of her life in England. Mrs. Foster entertained countless visitors with tales from her childhood years, or life during World War I, her teen years and a trip to Lourdes in France, and stories of World War II, watching 'dog-fights in the air over Worthing, and the Blitz on London. Her life experiences shaped her into a very independent, determined and focused person. Mrs. Foster was a great lover of animals, many dogs and cats were her companions through the years. Mrs. Foster kept a "Doggie Bowl" beside the road with water for passing thirsty dogs, especially during the hot summer days. Mrs. Foster 'couldn't stand to see an animal go hungry' - and would feed and shelter any stray cat who needed help. Veronica regularly supported The Preble Street Resource Center, St. Vincent's Soup Kitchen, Boys' Town in Nebraska, Friends of Feral Felines and The Cleo Fund. She was a longtime communicant of St. Christopher's Church on Peaks Island. Veronica was married to William L. Foster, who predeceased her. There are no known survivors. In lieu of flowers, donations would be welcome to any of the organizations she supported. Friends of Veronica would like to thank the staff of St. Joseph's Rehabilitation and Residence for the wonderful care she received while in residence. Prayers will be recited 10:15 a.m. Wednesday at Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland. An 11:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Church, 307 Congress Street, Portland. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, South Portland.Online condolences may be expressed below.
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With deep love and caring for those celebrating the joy of Veronica’s life – she was a kind, genteel, loving woman and warmly remembered. Her inner beauty was reflected in the beauty of her gardens – both brought much joy and peace to those around her. In deepest sympathies, Chris
– Chris King, FNP (Mahoney – Peaks Island 1997-1999)