FOSTER, Marion Joan

Marion Joan Foster of Fergus passed away on January 29, 2026 at Groves Memorial Community Hospital in her 99th year. Joan was the beloved wife of the late Dr. Stuart Foster, Veterinarian. Cherished Mother of Patricia Foster and her husband Michael Fitzgerald of Guelph, David Foster and his wife Elaine of Hardisty, Alberta, Kathryn and her husband Dr. Prem Talwar of Edmonton, Alberta, Elizabeth and her husband Wilfred Gerner of Cambridge and Robert and his wife Cathy of Fergus. Adored Grandmother of Joseph and Kristy Foster, Adam and Penny Foster, Eric and Kalee Foster, Rajan Talwar, Dr. Kiran Talwar, Tara Talwar, Anjulie Talwar, Eden and Robert Wood, Jordan Gerner, John Foster and Emily and Steven Peters. Loving Great-Grandmother of Jack, Grace, David, Grant, Dane, Thomas, Elise, Jessie, Leanna, Madeline, Lucas and Samuel. Left to mourn is Joan’s Brother, David Fielding of Toronto (late wife Marian) and Joan‘s Sister-in-law, Joan Marie Fielding of Toronto as well as several nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins and many friends and acquaintances. Joan was born and raised in Strabane, Ontario to Marion Grace Fielding and James Howard Fielding. She was adored by her two younger brothers, Ward and David. Family life in Strabane centred around the church, the school and the general store. Weekly piano and violin lessons were enjoyed by Joan and her brothers. Joan was called “Miss Muffet” by her Dad and this name was affectionately used throughout her life. Joan attended Westdale Collegiate in Hamilton and later graduated from the Hamilton Normal School. Following graduation, she taught kindergarten in Woodstock, Guelph, Brantford and Fergus where her piano skills were used on a daily basis. While teaching in Guelph, Joan attended a YWCA dance and met the love of her life, Verdon Stuart Foster, a young Veterinary Student at the Ontario Veterinary College. They were married on December 27, 1948 in Strabane, Ontario. Stuart graduated from OVC in 1949 and they moved to Fergus in 1950 to set up a busy Veterinary Practice for both large and small animals. Joan assisted her husband with the practice and managed an active household with five young children. When the children were older, Joan continued with occasional teaching. Joan was community minded! She was a Member of the Fergus Curling Club, Member of Melville United Church and United Church Women, Member and Past President of Groves Hospital Ladies Auxiliary and Groves Hospital Board, Member of the Order of the Eastern Star Brighton Chapter for over 70 years and Member of the Fergus Marathon Bridge Club. Joan was very creative enjoying both oil and watercolour painting through the years, specializing in florals and landscapes. She was a Master Traditional Rug Hooker excelling at colour planning, creating and finishing heirloom hooked treasures including pictures, rugs and wall hangings. With her children raised, Joan focused on her beautiful home and gardens. Joan also enjoyed travelling in Canada, USA and Europe. Later in life, family and caregivers assisted Joan with her wish to stay in her own home. We wish to thank Wanda Saunders for her extraordinary service to Joan for many years. We also wish to thank Nancy Manzer, as well as all PSW’s from Closing The Gap and Paramed. Visitation will be held at the Graham A. Giddy Funeral Home, 280 St. David St. South, Fergus on Thursday, February 5th, 2026 from 2-4pm and 7-9pm. Order of the Eastern Star service on Thursday, February 5th at 6:00pm. Funeral service at Melville United Church, 300 St. Andrew Street West, Fergus on Saturday, February 7th, 2026 at 11am with Reverend Marion Loree officiating. Lunch will follow in the Fellowship Hall. Burial to take place following the reception at Belsyde Cemetery in Fergus. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations will be gratefully accepted to Groves Memorial Community Hospital and Melville United Church. Arrangements are entrusted with the Graham A. Giddy Funeral Home. 
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