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MATILDA FOSTER
Born: May 30, 1929
Date of Passing: Jan 07, 2015
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryMATILDA (MATTIE) FOSTER (nee KOWALYK) May 30, 1929- January 7, 2015 Peacefully at Concordia Hospital, surrounded by family, Wednesday, January 7, 2015, we lost our mother, grandmother and great-grandmother Mattie Foster. Her family is saddened by the loss of her presence, and we will miss her love, her laughter, and her constant support. Mattie was born in Ozerna, Manitoba, and then moved to Winnipeg with her family in 1936. Mattie attended William Whyte School and St. John's High School. Mattie was active in many sports. She was inducted with her women's basketball team, The Rockettes (1948) into the Manitoba Basketball Hall of Fame. She married Gustave Foster on October 8, 1949. They had seven children. Her husband, Gus predeceased Mattie in 1998. Mattie worked in catering at Winnipeg hotels, primarily the Dakota Hotel; she was then employed by Shoppers Drug Mart in various posts for 25 years, at the Redwood and Main location. Mattie was an exceptionally hard worker and much valued for her work ethic, one of her many character strengths. Mattie had several passions: playing bingo, watching her favourites on TV: Coronation Street, figure skating, tennis and curling. She loved any opportunity to travel, and vacationed in the Seattle area, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. Sadly, her illness in later years took away the chance to have more adventures. Above all, Mattie lived a life dominated by family. The road was not always easy for her. She wore her trials and tribulations with a great deal of humility, always trying to do her best for her siblings and then in turn for her own family. She bore the onset of dementia with grace, and was determined to live independently in her own home as long as possible. Mattie lived in her own apartment until just a few days before her passing, largely due to the selfless efforts of daughter Kathy and son Gus. They diligently coordinated her care and, with the help of family, made the last few years as comfortable as possible. The family as a whole give Kathy and Gus our eternal gratitude. Mattie is survived by children Karen (James) Egan, Kathy (Greg Black), Gus (Colleen), Lori (Wayne) Miller, Connie (Bruce) Forsyth, Michael, and Sue-Ellen; grandchildren Amy (Ryan) Helbren, Ryan, Griffin, Lindsay (Scott) Kirk, Mark, Derek, Jessica and Jason, and great-granddaughter Rory. She is also survived by sister Nadia, brothers Peter (Jan) and Alfred (Shirley), and many cherished nieces and nephews. Family and friends are cordially invited to attend a service for Mattie to be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 14, 2015 at the Glen Eden Memorial Gardens, 4477 Main St., West St. Paul, phone 204-338-7111. Reception to follow. "Mom, you will be in our hearts forever. Vichnaya Pamyat." Family and friends may sign a Book of Condolence at www.glenedenmemorial.ca Glen Eden Funeral Home & Cemetery 204-338-7111
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 10, 2015
Condolences & Memories (8 entries)
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My heart goes out to all of the Foster children. My family also grew up on Simpson Avenue and knew the family. It is heart wrenching to lose your Mom but she was obviously so loved and will be remembered always. - Posted by: Donna Lempen (Sydorchuk) (Neighbor on Simpson Avenue) on: Jan 15, 2015
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I lived next door to Mattie while growing up on Simpson Avenue and knew her family and children well. Her daughter Lori Miller (Nee: Foster) became a lifetime friend. I've watched Lori care for her mother for many years, ensuring that she was always taken care of, had all the necessities of life, but most of all a loving family to surround her. Mattie was a welcomed and frequent guest at Lori's home. Mattie found much happiness there in her later years, especially being surrounding by her grandchildren who all loved her dearly. I know Mattie as a kind neighbor and friend. I know she did her best and raised some wonderful children. I personally wanted to acknowledge the selfless years of devotion that Lori gave to her mother, visiting 2 - 3 times a week and never complaining. Mattie was dearly loved by all the children and each has their own story to tell. I wanted to be sure that everyone knows Mattie was loved selflessly by her daughter Lori and their family always. - Posted by: April Stapon (Friend of the Family) on: Jan 14, 2015
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I am attending my mom's funeral today. I will remember her tanning at Grand Beach and in the back yard, always way too dark for today's skin warnings. I will remember the bowling trophies she dusted with pride but eventually threw away. I will remember her cabbage rolls because she made the best, anywhere, anytime, and now my sister Sue has this honor. I will remember her Sunday pot roasts and the smoothest gravy. I will remember the family home, so neat and dust free it was hard to tell anyone lived there. I will remember the family yard, barely a leaf on the grass and the only swept lane on the block. I will remember how she loved my kids, giving hugs and telling them like it is, in her way. And, I will remember how dementia changed her, and how she gave me hugs. She was unique, strong, private and stubborn. I will not miss the worry, but I will miss the reasons. God Bless her. - Posted by: Lori Miller (Daughter) on: Jan 14, 2015
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I am terribly sorry for your loss. I experienced many times with Mattie on New Year's Eve at Nadj's home, at different family celebrations and the Fall suppers with Jan and Peter. Mattie was a true lady inside and out, always friendly, happy and appreciative. May God bless you, Kathy and Gus for looking after this dear lady, for taking care of her in her time of need. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this sorrowful time. Jan and Peter, Nadj and Alfie, you were so good to your sister. My heart goes out to you all. - Posted by: Ricki Daly (Jan and Peter's friend) on: Jan 13, 2015
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I'm so sorry for the loss of your mom. I know how painful it is but it was wonderful that you and Gus were there for her. - Posted by: Carol Rybczuk (friend) on: Jan 12, 2015
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Mattie's picture defines her to a “T”…..big smile and loving life. Mattie was my best friend Connie’s Mom. I fell in love with her the moment we met. Her Ukrainian heritage was a common bond that I could relate to, as my mother is also of that same descent. When Mattie visited Connie in Oklahoma City, she would grace us with her fantastic cooking…her mushroom gravy was the best! Mattie was such a tiny little thing with a heart a zillion times bigger than her frame. She had the cutest laugh; almost impish in nature. She loved to tell jokes even though she sometimes forgot or messed up the punch line. I will always cherish the fond memories of sitting in the garage at Connie’s place in OKC when Kathy and Mattie came to visit. Us girls would spend hours chatting, laughing, having an adult beverage and telling stories. I am very blessed to have met the Foster family; which are all here today because of our Miss Mattie. You did good girl! - Posted by: Colleen Speidel (Family Friend) on: Jan 11, 2015
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Kathy, I am so sorry to hear of your mothers passing, I know how much she meant to you. Be at peace with the thought that she is in a better place now, I know she appreciated all the time you spent with her and all your caring for her. My thoughts are with you and all your family at this difficult time. Deborah - Posted by: Deborah Wazny (Friend ) on: Jan 10, 2015
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So very sorry kAthy to hear of the loss of your dear mother. - Posted by: Barrie & cathy creran (Friends of KAthy & Greg) on: Jan 10, 2015
