Stella Victoria Foster

With a life that spanned times of war and times of peace, times of plenty and times of want, Stella Foster created a vibrant tapestry of memories with those she loved. Generous in all she said and did, she used her time and talents for the benefit of others. She lovingly raised her family, placing their needs before her own, and nothing in life was more important to Stella than seeing the smiling faces of those she loved. Remembered for her unwavering kindness, Stella will be deeply missed.

The era known as the Roaring Twenties created an entirely new landscape within the culture of America. A time of great prosperity, innovations, and inventions of the day added much to the lives of the American people. Yet a most memorable event in the lives of her parents was the birth of Stella Victoria, born on July 3, 1922, in Saginaw, Michigan to Boleslaw "Ben" and Stephina (Hojricka) Ziolkowski.

A first-generation American, Stella's parents emigrated from Poland arriving at New York's Ellis Island aboard the SS President Lincoln on March l4, 1913 with $25 U.S. dollars between them. Stella had three older sisters, Josephine (1915), Marion (1916), and Sophia (1918), who were all born in New Jersey where Boleslaw's cousin from Newark sponsored the new emigrants. The family then moved to Michigan where Stella was born. They moved again to Wisconsin in 1923, settling in Racine County where they did some farming. Boleslaw was additionally employed by Belle City Manufacturing as a laborer. Her sister, Sophie, died on September 5, 1923, of diphtheria before her sister, Jennie, was born in 1924.

One day while Stella's father was walking with her two older sisters, Josephine and Mary, along the Chicago-Milwaukee railroad tracks early on the morning of September 17, 1925, a train abruptly surprised them. Although Boleslaw was able to push Stella's sisters off to safety, her father sadly did not survive. Stella's mother, a widow at age 32 with four daughters, was also pregnant with a son, Ben, who was born in June of 1926.

Around 1926-1927 Stephina married Vincent Wasiak, also a Polish emigrant who arrived in the U.S. in 1913. He went on to serve in the Army's 32nd Division as an artillery man in France until the war's end. He was granted U.S. citizenship due to his service, which allowed Stephina to also become a U.S. citizen. Together they had three children, twins Ted and Bernice in 1928, and Catherine in 1930.

Stella was educated in the public school system in Racine and graduated from Washington Park High School in 1940. Following high school she did some domestic and factory work, and soon met the young man who came to win her heart. She met her future husband, Marvin Foster, at a dance in early 1941. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in November l941 as war seemed to be fast approaching for the U.S. They were happily married on December 27, l94l, less than three weeks after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Marvin was stationed in the Pacific on a Destroyer Escort and later served as a gunnery instructor at the San Diego Naval Base. Marvin was discharged in January of 1946 with $100 of mustering out pay.

Stella and Marvin raised five children. Marvin Jr. "Skip" was born in 1942, Richard "Dick" in 1945, Suzanne "Sue" in 1946, followed by Cynthia "Cindy" in 1947, and James "Jim" completed their family in 1951. Stella devoted her life and energy into raising her children, making sure their needs were met, even if times were tough and money was scarce. Despite tough times, she made a good home for Marvin and the kids. In 1968, Stella began working as a clerk at the Racine County Courthouse until retiring in 1984.

Of all her sisters, Stella was the only one to get a driver's license, although it was quite a bit after her 16th birthday! In her free time, she enjoyed reading, and loved cooking delicious meals and baking for her family. She found time to enjoy a little traveling and gardening, and at home, could often be found knitting. Some of her outside activities included going to exercise class, serving as a volunteer for Toys for Tots for 12 years, and as an usher at the Racine Theater Guild for many years. Stella's own love of reading prompted her to give her time at Wadewitz Elementary School for several years helping 1st and 2nd graders improve their reading skills. An avid fan of all of Wisconsin's sports teams, Stella especially loved the Green Bay Packers. Yet more than anything, time spent with family was what Stella treasured most.

Stella was very involved in the lives of her grandsons, Gary, Brad, Marc, and Brian with whom she was very proud. Her great-grandchildren, Alec and Addison were also her delight. Each of them brought her the greatest joy and added much happiness to Stella's life. Stella inspired her family to read and to be curious. A loving light in the lives of those she loved, Stella was a fine example of kindness and consideration. Dearly missed, Stella gave her greatest gift, "a mother's unconditional love and support", which will always have a cherished place in the hearts of those she leaves behind.

Surrounded by her family, Stella Victoria Foster, age 92, of Racine, passed away peacefully, Sunday, July 13, 2014, at her residence. Her husband, Marvin J. Foster Sr., preceded her in death in 1995. Surviving are her children, Marvin J. “Skip” (Kathy) Foster Jr., Richard W. “Dick” (Terrie) Foster, Cynthia J. “Cindy” (Frank Giandenoto) Foster, and James R. “Jim” Foster; grandchildren, Gary Thompson, Brad Foster, Marc (Jennifer) Giandenoto, Brian (Nathan) Foster; great- grandchildren, Alec Romano and Addison Giandenoto; siblings, Josephine Ziolkowski, Jennie Jensen, Catherine (Lyle) Sweet, Ben Ziolkowski, Ted (Jean) Wasiak; other relatives and dear friends. In addition to her father and husband, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Suzanne L. "Sue" Foster in 1994; her mother, Stephina Wasiak in 1995, stepfather, Vincent Wasiak in 1960, and sisters, Sophia Ziolkowski in 1928, Mary Lesnik in 1997, and Bernice Blagec in 2013.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, July 17, 2014, 11:00 AM with Reverend Ron Gramza officiating at St. Richard’s Roman Catholic Church, 1503 Grand Avenue where Stella was a faithful member for over 75 years. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy 32. Relatives and friends may meet with her family on Thursday at the church from 10:00 AM until the time of the Mass. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating a memorial to St. Richard’s Building Fund, The American Cancer Society, or a charity of your choice.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Donna Lathrop for her longtime friendship and support; sharing in the good times and bad, plus a few laughs along the way; to Jeannie, her instructor in exercise class and all of the ladies in the class for their help, friendship, and support over the years; and to the staff of Wheaton Franciscan Hospice for their loving and compassionate care. Many hugs to her nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

The family is being served by Maresh-Meredith and Acklam Funeral Home, 803 Main Street, Racine, Wisconsin, (262) 634-7888. To share condolences, a favorite memory or photo of Stella and to sign her online guest book please visit www.meredithfuneralhome.com