Frances K. (Carpenter) Foster

Frances K. Foster, 85, of Petoskey, died at her home on Saturday, April 6, 2024.  Her daughters Karen and Linda were privileged and honored to serve as her caregivers during her journey with Hospice of Michigan; with the loving support of family and guidance of wonderful hospice staff.

Frances “Fran” was born June 26, 1938, the daughter of Lynn and Rose (Miller) Carpenter in Ellsworth, Michigan. She grew up on the family farm on Carpenter Road on Carpenter Lake. She graduated from Ellsworth High School in 1955.

In September of 1956 she married Richard “Dick” Neill and had two children; Linda and Mike. Sadly, Dick preceded Fran in death in 1961.

She then married James “Jim” Foster, Sr. in August of 1966, and continued to grow her family with the birth of a son, Ken, and daughter, Karen. She also gained four step-children, Joe, Jerry, Jimmy and Janet. Jim also preceded her in death, in 2007.

Over the years, Fran held many jobs including as a telephone operator for "Ma Bell" and as one of the first females for their "Miss Dig" program, then as the Welcome Wagon Lady, and eventually selling advertisements for the Phone Guide.  She flourished in any position where she could be social and involved in community outreach. She joined the PTA, was President of Music Boosters, was involved with the Midshipmen Drum and Bugle Corps, and a member of Telephone Pioneers. She was a Chamber of Commerce Ambassador, even winning an award as a "Chamber Enthusiast." While married to Jim, she joined the Fire Belles and Bucket Brigade, both groups for wives of firemen that helped to raise funds and support the department and community in various ways.

She was affectionately referred to as “the Energizer Bunny”, working the night shift as a telephone operator so she could still participate in her children’s school events and her many civic activities.

She enjoyed sewing, and supplemented her income as a young woman taking in seamstress work. She continued to sew for her family and her children’s various music programs. In fact, she made both of her wedding dresses, and her oldest daughter's too.

Not only did Fran love her community, she deeply loved her country. She was extremely patriotic and adored celebrating the 4th of July. She was honored one year to be the Grand Marshall in the Petoskey Independence Day parade. It seemed a fitting tribute for the many, many years she spun on a ladder above the Epsilon Jazz Band on an antique firetruck in parades.

She will be remembered for her “Fran hands” (if her mouth was moving, so were her hands!) and her unwavering brilliant smile.

She is survived by her children: Linda Appicelli of Haslett; Mike (Karen) Neill of Bay City; Ken (Maria) Foster of Brighton; and Karen (Herb) Stanhope of Charlevoix, as well as step-children: Jerry (Terry) Foster of Flat Rock; Jimmy Foster of Alanson; and Janet (Tom) Norris of Petoskey: 18 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and siblings, Roselynn Ruis, Sandy Capron, and Steve (Marilyn) Carpenter.

In addition to both husbands, she was preceded in death by her brother Del Carpenter, sister Susie Snover; step-son Joe Foster; son-in-law Mike Appicelli; brothers-in-law Stan Ruis and Wendell Capron.

There will be a visitation at Stone Funeral Home in Petoskey on Monday, April 22, 2024 from 5:00-8:00 p.m.

Her memorial service will be held the following day at Stone Funeral Home on April 23, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. with a gathering of friends and family the hour prior. Joe Sereno, Hospice of Michigan - Charlevoix Chaplin, will officiate. Burial will take place at Greenwood Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest beside her husband Jim.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be directed to Hospice of Michigan-Charlevoix or the Harbor Springs VFW Post 2051.

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