Mary Foster

South Portland – Mary Bridget (Costigan) Foster, passed away on her 65th birthday, April 27, 2026.

She was born on April 27, 1961, in Portland to Ronald and Mary (Nee) Costigan. Mary was raised in South Portland in a devout Irish Catholic family, grounded in faith, strong roots, and an unwavering moral compass. Those values shaped the remarkable woman she became; generous, compassionate, wise, and devoted to those she loved.

Mary was engaged to John Foster on St. Patrick’s Day in 1983, and married on St. Patrick’s Day in 1984, the day John proudly became “much more Irish.” Together they built a life centered on faith and family.

Mary possessed the rare gift of being able to read an entire room before she had even sat down. She understood people deeply and could always find the good in anyone. She had a soft spot for the poor souls of the world, forever looking out for those who needed kindness, encouragement, or a helping hand. She was a big sister in every sense of the word – protective, steady, and loving, and though she never sought recognition, she quietly ran the show wherever she was.

As Bishop Robert Barron stated, “Your being increases in the measure that you give it away.” Mary lived that truth every day. She would give the coat off her back (and actually has) to keep a stranger warm, and she gave endlessly of her time, strength, and heart.

Mary dedicated her professional life to nursing. Nursing requires a heart that truly cares for others. She was a nurse who always put her patients first, treating each patient with dignity and respect.

She was also blessed with a wonderful sense of humor and a sharp wit that stayed with her always, even in the nursing home. Mary loved to laugh and make others laugh.

Above all else, Mary was a mother extraordinaire who adored children and poured herself into her family. She was the very best “Mimi,” happiest when holding one of her 19 grandchildren close in her arms, and she treasured her close relationships with her nieces and nephews.

Mary was predeceased by her parents; her beloved Aunt Mona Nee; and her in-laws, John and Sylvia Foster.

She is survived by her devoted husband, John Foster of South Portland; her children, Katie Paladino and husband Andrew, Jake Foster and wife Maria, Moira Bushey and Jack, Daniel Foster and Casey, Annie Tolan and Jack, Luke Foster, and Patrick Foster; her cherished grandchildren, Joey, Teddy, Olivia, Tommy, Lucy, Vinny, Sonny, Lucia, Hazel, Maeve, Beau, Rory, Frankie, Theo, Philly, Johnny, Charlie, Benny, Leo, and one on the way. Mary is also survived by her sister Kathleen Findlay and husband Shawn; her brother Danny Costigan and wife Kris; and many extended family members and friends.

Visiting Hours will be held from 2:00 – 6:00 PM on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home of South Portland, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. Prayers will be recited at the Funeral Home on Monday, May 4, at 10:00 a.m., followed by an 11:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Cross Church, 124 Cottage Road, South Portland. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery. To view Mary’s memorial page or share an online condolence, please visit ConroyTullyWalker.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mary’s memory to Holy Cross School by visiting https://jp2me.org/hcs-general-donations