Mary Catherine Foster

Mary Catherine Foster passed away October 25, 2017, 60+ days after celebrating her 104th birthday with family and friends at Kingswood Senior Living Facility in Kansas City, MO. Services will be held at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 11822 Holmes Rd., KCMO, on Tuesday, October 31st, with the Rosary prayed at 9:30am, Visitation following, and Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 11am. Burial at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.Mary was born August 20, 1913 in St. Joseph, MO, to Frank James and Alice Elizabeth (Branham) Schmitz, the oldest of 8 children. Mary married Joseph C. Foster at Annunciation Catholic Church in Kansas City, MO, on October 22, 1935. From this union, 4 children were born; Joseph "Larry" Foster (Carolyn), James "Jim" Foster (Judy), Carolyn Foster Valdez, and Jeannette Bruns (Steve). Her husband, Joe, preceded her in death in August of 2002. Also preceding her were 3 brothers and their spouses; Frances James Schmitz (Beatrice), Bernard Lawrence Schmitz (Georgie), Joseph Vincent Schmitz (Connie); 2 sisters and spouses, Elizabeth Ann Stewart (Frank) and Dorothy Alice Pogorzelski (Frank); brother-in-law, Hank Strobl; sister-in-law, Mary Jeanne Schmitz; daughter-in-law, Marilyn (Meiners) Foster; as well as uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to her 4 children and their spouses, Mary is survived by a sister, Margaret "Margie" (Schmitz) Strobl; and brother, Robert "Bob" Schmitz. Mary was blessed with 16 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren, 9 great-great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.Mary had many interests during her lifetime. She was very active in St. James Church where she was a member of the PTA, Altar Society, and became a Girl Scout Leader in 1953. She was active in that organization as Brownie, Girl Scout, and Senior Adviser in the St. James Troops for 25 years, later holding several organizational positions involving other troops throughout the Mid Continent of Girl Scouts. During this time she received several awards, including the Thanks Badge from the KC Council, St. Anns Medal from the Catholic Scouting Committee, and the Bishop Award for Volunteer Services from the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph. She also found time to be an American Red Cross First Aid instructor for 8 years, teaching First Aid and Life Saving techniques, but reportedly said "but no swimming because Im like a rock in the water." After her husband retired, they moved to Lake Pomme De Terre where they made many friends and were the founding members of St. Bernadette Catholic Church of Hermitage, MO. In 1982, Mary and Joe joined the Golf Club, where Mary learned to play and enjoy the game for several years. She also served as Secretary to the Ladies Golf Club group for one term. When she and Joe returned to Kansas City, they made their home at Kingswood Retirement Center on Wornall Rd., making new friends. Mary quickly became active in many organizations, including the Almost New Sale, Kingswood Auxillary, a member of the Residents Council, and volunteering once weekly at the Kingswood Gift Shop. Often she could be seen visiting people in the Health Care Center. Mary was known as "the sewing lady," mending and sewing for many of the residents. She also loved crocheting, making a baby blanket for each of her grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. She also crocheted items with other ladies of Kingswood, donating those items to NICU units for premature babies.Mary was strong in her Catholic faith, attending St. Thomas More until her health prohibited it, praying the Rosary daily, and attending Catholic Services at Kingswood Health Care Center. She was blessed with good health and contentment until the last days of her life. She was often asked what the secret to her longevity entailed. Her answer was always the same, "I just dont worry." A life well done, Mom, Grandma, Great Grandma, Great Great Grandma. We will miss you, so very much.Her family sincerely appreciates the great care Mary received at Kingswood, the nursing staff who were very kind and loving to her, Kansas City Hospice, Case Manager Laura Kipkoech, Kingswood Chaplain Kathleen Danforth and her Associate Jamie, Edye Taylor, and all those who visited her often, as well as Marie Delcambre, MD, Marys physician of many years, for her support, knowledge, and guidance through the years.In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions go to St. Bernadette Catholic Church, P.O. Box 167, Hermitage, MO 65668, and/or St. Thomas More Catholic Church.




SERVICES Rosary
Tuesday, October 31, 2017 9:30 AM - 10:00 AM
St. Thomas More Church 11822 Holmes Road Kansas City, MO 64131
Visitation
Tuesday, October 31, 2017 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
St. Thomas More Church 11822 Holmes Road Kansas City, MO 64131
Mass of Christian Burial
Tuesday, October 31, 2017 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
St. Thomas More Church 11822 Holmes Road Kansas City, MO 64131
Interment
Tuesday, October 31, 2017 12:30 PM
Mount Olivet Cemetery 7601 Blue Ridge Blvd Kansas City, Missouri 64138