Jane Gooding Foster

Jane was the oldest daughter of Ralph and Melvina Golder Gooding. She was born on December 16, 1920 in Presque Isle, Maine. After moving to Waterville, Jane attended Waterville public schools and graduated from Waterville High School. After graduation, she worked with a professional photographer as a colorist. It was at this time she met, fell in love, and married Eugene L. Foster, her husband of seventy-four years.

Jane and Gene lived in Lynn, MA and then moved to Hackensack, NJ. After several years in New Jersey, they returned to their Maine roots and settled in Portland with their four daughters. Gene travelled weekly and in Gene’s absence, Jane filled roles of wife, mother, homemaker and matriarch. After retirement, Gene and Jane spent winters in Melbourne Beach, FL but returned full time to support their grandchildren’s high school participation in academic and athletic pursuits.

Jane had a wonderful sense of humor, an impeccable sense of style, and a devotion to her family and friends. She had a passion for Boston sports. Her Celtics, Bruins and Patriots were on her “can’t miss” broadcasts. PGA tournaments were also special, but her love, knowledge and her occasional instruction of the Boston Red Sox are legendary. Jane battled over thirty years with Guillain-Barre Syndrome, a very serious and rare attack on one’s nervous system. She faced this daily challenge without complaint but with a most admirable spirit that affected all that knew her.

Jane was predeceased by her husband, parents, two sisters, Ruth Safarik and Alice Dow and her son-in-law, Gerald Herrick.

Jane is survived by her four daughters; Brenda Herrick, Linda Parker (David), Rhonda Walker (John), and G. Joy Foster (Robert Kline). She is also survived by nine grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren.

The family would like to recognize the wonderful care and compassion shown to Jane by the staff of Falmouth by the Sea and Beacon Hospice of Maine. A very special thank you to Gene Ward-Reed for the outstanding and loving relationship that she shared with Jane. Services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the charity of your choice.

Please visit www.jonesrichandbarnes.com to sign Jane’s online guest book.