Jean Elizabeth Wines Foss

October 12, 1930 - December 3, 2023

Jean Elizabeth Wines Foss was a beloved wife, mother, Nana, and “great” Nana for her full 93 years. Born on October 12, 1930, she grew up in Front Royal, Virginia alongside her three brothers and her sister. Jean was an avid basketball player at her local high school and after graduation attended nursing school in Alexandria, VA. It was here she met the love of her life, Willard Emmons Foss, Jr., when he was home one summer from studying aeronautical engineering at Virginia Tech. After receiving their respective degrees, the two were married in 1953, relocating to Hampton, building and enjoying a wonderful life together for the next 70 years.

Jean and Skip raised two children together in Hampton while Skip worked at NASA Langley; Jean also served as an RN at what is now Riverside Regional Medical Center after the kids completed elementary school.

Jean had a zest for life, she was an avid skier, and enjoyed bowling, golf, and of course attending and supporting the Virginia Tech Hokies football team. She skied up and down the east coast, as well as around much of Colorado. She bowled on a Wednesday morning ladies bowling league at Circle Lanes for many years, most with her dear friend Betty Heath. She loved golfing on her Hampton league all around peninsula courses as well as every summer at Massanutten. Jean was always quick with a joke; she loved life and her entire family dearly. Her smile and kind heart were admired by all and could put a smile on anyone’s face. She attended many a youth tennis match, play, dance recital, soccer and lacrosse game and more as a proud parent, grand parent or great- grandparent. She remained a peninsula resident until the time of her passing, having moved to Newport News nine years ago. She enjoyed keeping in touch with friends from throughout her life, as well as meeting new people. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her and were impacted by her.

Jean is survived by her loving husband, Willard Foss; two children, Richard (Cindy) Foss and Barbara Fischer; five grandchildren, Elizabeth Guthrie, Richard Foss, (Stacey), William (Marybeth) Foss, Charles (Karen) Fischer, and Jennifer Fischer (Thomas); seven great- grandchildren, Ava, Emily, Dylan, Henry, Brady, Sunny, and Sky; as well as by seven nieces and nephews; and numerous great- nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Jean’s Life will be held at Parklawn-Wood Memorial, Hampton, on Thursday, December 14th. The visitation begins at 11:30, followed by a service at noon, graveside, and reception. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to either the VA Tech Hokie Club/Scholarship Fund or the American Heart Association as a tribute.