Third loss for Umina CWA

Mrs Fay Foster from the Umina Beach branch of the Country Women's Association has died within one month of two other members whose obituaries appeared in the last two issues of Peninsula News.

Mrs Foster died in Gosford Hospital on Sunday, March 21, after a very short illness.

Publicity officer Clare Wren said: "Fay joined CWA in June 1999, bringing in a breath of spring, or perhaps, a sudden refreshing summer storm.

"With her music, her charm, her friendliness, her love of life and people, one could say Fay was a 'people's person'.

"Her CWA. official position was door keeper, a position she dearly loved.

"It gave her the chance to talk to people, to greet them with a smile and a chat.

"Fay's music was her life, like her life she played it 'allegretto'.

"The first time she played our national anthem for us, there was stunned silence, but we soon learned to sing it as fast as she played it.

"That was our Fay.

"When she spoke of her family, which she did quite often, she would say: 'my Maurie', 'my Terry', 'my Ann', 'my Sarah'.

"To we CWA members, she was 'our Fay'.

"We loved her and will miss her very, very much."

Her funeral was held at Ettalong Baptist Church on Wednesday, April 2.

Just over 200 family and friends attended, including members from Legacy, War Widows, Guild and Pensioner's Association, hospital and nursing homes' members and staff.

Her granddaughter Sarah Hoolihan delivered her eulogy.

She said: "How could I possibly sum up nan's life in a few minutes?

"We have all been so blessed to have had her in our lives and the laughter and joy she has brought to us will live in our hearts forever.

"After growing up with future husband Maurie from the age of three through their involvement at Auburn Baptist Church, their marriage in 1948 brought two very special people together.

"Over their 42 years of marriage, Fay and Maurie enjoyed each other and shared much love and happiness with everyone around them.

"In 1951, Terry was born and was the joy of their lives.

"Six years later, Ann arrived and the family was now complete.

"Over the years, they all enjoyed a fantastic family life and many happy times, especially the weekends and holidays spent with Marcia, Allan and Elaine on the Central Coast.

"From 1972 to 1984, Fay and Maurie's five grandchildren, Stuart, Glenn, me, Kellie and Simon were born, and we extended the family even further.

"Living in Merrylands in the 60s was very busy.

"During nan and pa's many great years involved in Holroyd Rotary, nan made lifelong friends, including very special friends, Joy and Clay.

"We have all enjoyed hearing about this exciting time in their lives, with all the social events, pool parties and community activities that Rotary hosted.

"Nan's music was her love, whether it was playing for physical culture, rotary gatherings, at schools, or more recently for Legacy, War Widows and the CWA.

"Nan's marvellous talent on the piano led to the start of her career as a teachers' aide in special schools, before moving to the Central Coast in 1978.

"On moving to the coast, nan continued her work at Fairhaven and Glenvale schools where she loved her work and was blessed with knowing and loving many of the teachers she worked with.

"Fay retired in 1990, shortly after losing her beloved Maurie and then joined the ladies of Legacy and War Widows.

"Her ladies, as they were always described to us, have given nan 12 years of support, fun, and laughter with their adventurous bus trips and so many other activities.

"And who could forget nan's undenying love for Pugsly, the ugly pug dog, beautiful in nan's eyes, or her fanatical support for the Parramatta Eels?

"Whether it was football, tennis, cricket, you name it, she loved it and she didn't understand how anyone couldn't.

"And who but nan could listen for endless hours to talkback radio and know everything about anything the next day?

"If I had to pick just one thing out of all the wonderful lessons on life nan has taught me over the years, it would be the importance of being passionate about what you love.

"Whether it's relationships, work, sport or whatever, put your heart into it. Do it once and do it well.

"Fay leaves us all with fond memories and love."

Clare Wren, April 15