Obituary

Mae Elizabeth Foster, 102, of Rockford, passed away on Tuesday, September 20, 2022 at Wesley Willows. Born May 12, 1920, in Montezuma, IA, the daughter of David A. and Ida M. (Watson) Reynolds. She was the fifth living generation of her family. Graduate of Central College, Pella, IA and also attended the University of Iowa. She taught in the public schools of Iowa and was on staff at Iowa State College (now University) in Ames, IA. Mae was part of the administrative team working on the Manhattan Project at Iowa State College.
She married Arthur L. Foster on October 5, 1947. They lived in Ames and Centerville before moving to Rockford on January 5, 1950, where Mr. Foster had purchased an interest in the Lagerstrom Insurance Agency (later LFAC Agency). In the last 7 years of his life, she acted as dialysis technician for her husband. Mr. Foster died December 20, 1981. Two children were born of this marriage: Martha (Wayne) Mitchell from Crystal Lake, IL and Mark (Elysa) Foster of Wellington, FL.
Mae was a member of Centennial United Methodist Church, serving on the Administrative Board and on the Board of Trustees. She acted as church librarian, historian, and adult class teacher. She was a member of the Outlook Club until it was disbanded, was a charter member of the Chapter NJ of the P.E.O. Sisterhood and a former member of the NSDAR. She was a gifted seamstress. Her interest in genealogy led her to trace her family to immigrants in the 1600's
Survived by her children, Martha (Wayne) Mitchell and Mark (Elysa) Foster; grandchildren, Amy (Nathan Winkler) Foster, David Foster, Kathleen Mitchell and Colleen (Kevin McCoy) Mitchell McCoy; three great-grandsons; nieces, nephews and cousins. Also predeceased by her parents; two brothers; and sister.
Plans for a memorial service are pending. Burial in Scandinavian Cemetery. A memorial fund has been established at the Church. To send a condolence or share a memory, visit olsonfh.com .
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