BEATRICE MAY FOSTER of Lethbridge, beloved wife of John (Jack) Porter Foster, passed away peacefully at home on September 4, 2009 at the age of 87 years.

Beatrice May Foster (nee Livingstone) was born March 31st, 1922 in Hardieville and was the youngest daughter of Robert and Amy Livingstone. She received her formal schooling in Lethbridge where she lived her entire life. Beatrice began her long and accomplished dedication to music and musicians of Southern Alberta at a young age and completed her licentiate of the Royal School of Music (LSRM) in both teaching and performance. She also spent many summers studying piano at the Banff School of Fine Arts. Beatrice often quietly provided music lessons to dedicated students whose circumstances didn't afford them the opportunity for musical studies.
She continued to teach pianists through many decades. Her mentorship is reflected in her children, four of whom continue her legacy of music. From their mother they benefited from her countless hours of support and guidance as young musicians. Due to her extraordinary talent, many of her students have continued on to successful and fulfilling careers in music. Beyond all of her musical gifts, she gave to her family the most 'precious' gift of her as a wife, mother and grandmother.

As a family, we all enjoyed mom's strong passion for sports, particularly golf and hockey. She and Jack enjoyed many winters together in Arizona and summers in their lovely BC homes at Rosen Lake and later, at the Kootenays. In recent years special holidays at Susie's family cottage and Sunday dinners at Peggy's family home were highlights for Beatrice and Jack.

Besides Jack, her loving husband of 57 years, Beatrice is survived by her daughters Peggy Mezei (Bob), Nancy Stein (Sheldon), and Susie Staples (Tom), and sons Bob Foster (Janice), Neil Foster (Gail), and Perry Foster (Theresa), grandchildren Michael, Russell and Scott Mezei, Danny, Jacob, Perry and Susie Stein, Jaime, Christopher, Matthew and Amy Staples, Lindsay Sakamoto, Andrew (Lisa), David and Robbie Foster, Megan and Caitlin Foster, and sister-in-law Merne (Donald) Livingstone. Beatrice was predeceased by her sister Peggy (George) Sexton, David (May) Livingstone, Donald Livingstone and infant brother John.

Following the wishes of the family, a private service will be held. Flowers are gratefully declined. For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to the Beatrice Foster Music Scholarship c/o Lethbridge Kiwanis Music Festival 26 Algonquin Bay West, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 5B6, The Canadian Cancer Society 317 10th St. S Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 2M7, or a charity of your choice.