Dorothy I. Foster

Dorothy Irene Stoltz Foster, 87, passed away peacefully Tuesday (Jan. 3, 2012) at her home in Barrington. Dorothy was born Oct. 15, 1924, in Bradley, the daughter of Clarence Orie and Malvina Landry Stoltz. As a 1942 graduate of Bradley High School, Dorothy worked in a munitions factory during World War II, at Illinois Bell, and as a secretary before marrying her devoted husband, (John) Paul Foster, in 1944, who preceded her in death in 2007. Together they raised six children, their proudest achievement. Dorothy is survived by her children, Susan Foster Porter, of Madison, Wis., John (Claudia) Foster, of Bozeman, Mont., Nancy Foster (Bill) Potter, of Barrington, Gail Foster, and Amy Foster (Brian) Cade, all of Fort Collins, Colo., and Doug Foster, of Libertyville; 17 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and friends. Dorothy is preceded in death by her lifelong husband of 63 years, Paul; her parents, Malvina and Clarence Stoltz; and her eight older siblings. Dorothy and Paul began their journey together raising their family in Park Forest, Ill., then moving on to Deerfield, Ill., Brighton, Mich., Barrington, Ill., and Bourbonnais. They retired to Tucson, Ariz., where Dorothy thrived in the warm climate, enjoying many of her favorite hobbies until Paul's death in 2007, when she returned to Illinois to be closer to some of her children, grand and great-grandchildren. Dorothy was known for her beauty, child-like Spirit, love of family, friends, animals, entertaining, the Christmas holiday (and the year-long Christmas tree), and her wonderful sense of humor. Her Catholic faith was her constant companion. Dorothy was an avid reader and bridge player and was always involved in some artistic, creative endeavor (love those ceramic Santa's mom!). She was an enthusiastic (cover your ears, grandkids) sports fan who had an undying allegiance to the University of Arizona Wildcats and the Dallas Cowboys. Most of all, our Mom cherished her daily visits and calls from loved ones. She will be missed as the matriarch of a large and thriving family. All who knew her loved her. Mom, your spirit is now free from physical pain and fear. You can soar; you can dance like never before. May God bless and keep you always. Peace be with you. A ceremony celebrating Dorothy's life will be held at 1:45 p.m. Tuesday at All Saints Cemetery, 1839 W. Illinois Route 102 (Main Street), Bourbonnais. Deacon Patrick Skelly will officiate. Clancy-Gernon Funeral Home, Bourbonnais, is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to your local Humane Society or St. Jude's Research Hospital: www.stjude.org.

Dorothy I. Foster

October 15, 1924 - January 3, 2012