Obituaries

Marie L. Foster

June 16th, 1924 – February 25th, 2021

Marie Louise (Strehlow) Foster, 96, of Peoria, died peacefully on February 25, 2021, with her loving children by her side. She was born June 16, 1924, in Peoria, IL, to Gladys and Paul Valentine Strehlow.

Marie graduated from Peoria High School in 1942 and the University of Arizona in Tucson in 1946. She married William (Bill) Foster on August 21, 1948 and they were together for 66 years until his death in 2014.

Marie was predeceased by her parents, husband, and sisters Anne Vance and Gladys (Sis) Hallett. She is survived by her brother Paul (Bro) Valentine Strehlow of Evanston; her daughter Marcia (Rhea) Taylor of Peoria, son Michael (Wendy) Foster of Downers Grove, grandchildren Rhea (Patrick Bonnet) Taylor II, Ryan Foster, Kimberly Marie Foster Xu (Kevin), and Zachary Foster, great-grandchildren Hunter Bonnet-Taylor, Harper Bonnet-Taylor, and Leo Foster Xu, and nieces and nephews.

Marie spent much of her life in Peoria. She was a member of P.E.O. and she worked at Bradley University in the Alumnae Records/Public Relations Department for approximately 10 years. She was very involved in and dedicated to First Presbyterian Church in Peoria. Marie and Bill moved to Table Grove, IL in 1982, remaining there until 2006, when they returned permanently to Peoria. Marie lived at Independence Village in Peoria 2006-2018, then moving to Apostolic Christian Skylines, where she’d been residing at the time of her death. Marie was always very grateful for the dear friends she made at both Independence Village and Apostolic Christian Skylines and for the wonderful, loving care she received from all staff members at both. Marie’s family is extremely appreciative of the care and comfort provided by all of the employees at both communities and the team from OSF Hospice.

Marie was much beloved for her innate kindness, gentleness, compassion, humility, respect, and patience and was greatly admired for her strong faith. She was extraordinarily smart and funny and had a reputation for being a ‘true lady.’ Marie’s friends and family adored her and know they are blessed for having had her touch their lives. The employees at Independence Village and Apostolic Christian Skylines revered her and talked about the honor of caring for her.

Marie’s inurnment in Harris Cemetery in Table Grove will be private. A celebration of Marie’s extraordinary life will be held during her birth month of June. In lieu of flowers, donations to Apostolic Christian Skylines Employee Appreciation Fund or any charity of preference will be gratefully accepted. Apostolic Christian Skylines Employee Appreciation Fund is at 7023 NE Skyline Dr, Peoria, IL 61614. Fond memories and/or messages of condolence can be sent to 5735 N. Rosemead, Peoria, IL 61614.

Condolences

March 3rd, 2021

So sorry to hear of Marie’s passing!! Thoughts & prayers to the family. I have many memories of both Bill and Marie. Missed by all.