Judith Collison Foss

Judy Foss, 83, passed away peacefully at Maine Medical Center in Portland, after battling cancer and lung disease for six years. Born in Providence, Rhode Island to Curtis and Svea Collison, Judy grew up the youngest of three. She was an exceptional student and graduated from Wellesley College in 1963.

Working in advertising in New York at age 22, Judy met her husband, Peter, who adored her from the start. They built a life together in Connecticut then later in Maine, where Peter grew up. They were a team, raising their family on Cousins Island; rejuvenating Peter’s family’s food manufacturing company, Schlotterbeck & Foss; establishing Judy as a fierce political force; and caring for their parents. In retirement, they made meandering trips across the country. He drove; she knitted. When those journeys were no longer possible, they enjoyed car rides to Reid State Park and Mount Battie, sending their children photos from their drives with the message, “Where are your parents today?” They took care of each other, supported one another, and laughed together for over 60 years.

Judy shared with Peter a deep love for their children: Ted, Abby, and Kate. During the years she was a stay-at-home mom; Judy taught her kids the wonders of libraries and inspired an appreciation for art. An expert knitter, Judy made marvels for birthdays, Christmases, and every day, wrapping her family–and friends–in her love.

She always had more than one project going; only a handful of times did she knit for herself. At age 41, Judy began her career in politics, first serving on the Yarmouth School Board, then being elected to the state legislature, and finally running for governor in 1994. Determined to be home as much as possible, Judy drove back and forth to the State House every day, never staying in Augusta, even in the worst winter storms. Judy imprinted her love for Martha’s Vineyard–where she spent almost every summer of her life in her parents’ gingerbread cottage–on her children and grandchildren. They made daily trips to State Beach, where they collected beach glass and swam in the turquoise water. It was from a photo of one of those perfect days that she became “Nanny Beach” to her grandchildren, who were the lights of her life.

Judy is remembered by her husband, Peter Thompson Foss, and her children, Theodore Richard Foss of Los Angeles, CA; Abigail Svea Foss and her husband, Josh Protas, of Takoma Park, MD; and Kate Collison Foss Ferrell and her husband, CJ Ferrell of Cumberland, ME; as well as her grandchildren, Eli, Noah, and Cory Protas and Miles and Wyeth Ferrell; and the lifelong friends she treasured. She was predeceased by her parents; her sister, Sandra Lee Collison; and her brother, Curtis Lee Collison, Jr.

Judy’s family is profoundly grateful to Dr. Matthew Dugan and his staff at New England Cancer Specialists and the doctors and nurses at Maine Medical Center for their miraculous care of her.

“May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sunshine warm upon your face...”

Friends and family are invited to a time of visitation and reception on Friday, March 28, 2025, from 4 pm-6 pm at Lindquist Funeral Home in Yarmouth.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Merrill Memorial Library in Yarmouth, Maine.