Helen (Robinson) Foster

Helen Robinson Foster, age 97, passed away quietly on August 10, 2015 in Phoenix, Arizona and went home to her Heavenly Father. She was born on July 27, 1918 to parents Lewis Edwin Robinson and Helen Gaines Warner in Pulaski, Tennessee.

She graduated from James Whitcomb Riley H.S. in South Bend, Indiana.

She met the love of her life, James Cleveland Foster in Chicago, Illinois. They married on June 29th, 1940 and he preceded her in death after almost 46 years of marriage. Helen, Jimmie, and their four children moved from Coleta, Illinois to Tucson, Arizona in 1955.

Helen was a highly proficient secretary with incredible shorthand, typing and business skills. It started her on a career path that led to Civil Service where she retired in 1980 as the Secretary to the City Manager of Tucson. She continued to use her skills after retirement transcribing medical records for a clinic and working for a law firm well into her 80's. She was active in both the Toastmistress Club and a member of Order of Eastern Star.

She was a wonderful seamstress and throughout her life dabbled in a myriad of creative activities. She loved gardening, oil and water painting, knitting, wine making, beekeeping, flower arranging, calligraphy, quilting and even bowling. She volunteered in a literacy program (ESL) to teach non-English speaking people to read, write and to speak the language. Helen was a voracious reader and always had a book in her hand or nearby. She was truly a gifted, interesting, dynamic person and will be missed deeply by the many who loved her.

She is survived by her children James L (Fredrika) Patricia S Nelson (Robert) Michael E (Margaret) and Kathleen D Haag (Gary). She also leaves behind 12 grandchildren and 34 great grandchildren. Another grandchild, Kelly Carson Foster preceded her in death.

Helen's entire family wants to express our most sincere gratitude to Lidia Calini and Irene at Tender Touch ALH for the wonderful care they gave Helen. Also, many thanks to the Hospice of the Valley for their end of life care and for the Talking Books that allowed Helen to keep reading. After cremation, she will be interred next to her life-long love, Jimmie, near Jackson, Tennessee. Please visit www.shadowmountainmortuary.com to leave online condolences for the family.

Published by The Arizona Republic on Aug. 23, 2015

06/27/2023 EJS

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/azcentral/name/helen-foster-obituary?id=17567783&fhid=11514