Wilma I. Gibbs Foster

2011.

Wilma was born in Springfield, two days before Christmas in 1920

to Lee Dale and Mamie Saunders Gibbs. The eldest of five girls,

Wilma’s 1939 graduation from Feitshans High School was a proud moment

for her parents — who scraped together every dime they had to buy her

a watch to celebrate.

On Friday the 13th of Oct. 1944, Wilma married George Brittin

Foster — a bakery bread delivery man she met while peeling apples at a

Community Bakery in Springfield. The two were wed in Brownwood, Texas

— just days before he was sent overseas to finish serving in World War

II. George

died Jan. 14, 1997.

George and Wilma moved several times in the 52 years they were

married, with daughter Annette and son Doug in tow.

Settling in Springfield, Wilma retired as administrative assistant to

the Regional

Superintendent of Schools of Sangamon County in 1985.

Above all, Wilma loved her beautiful daughter and clever son. They,

the color blue, celebrating birthdays and teasing her grandchildren

kept her busy as she spent 14 years living without her best friend,

husband George.

She is survived by her two children: Annette Foster Beck (husband,

John) of Springfield, and George Douglas Foster (wife, Janet) of

Rochester. And four grandchildren: John Foster Beck, Molly Anne Beck,

Cory Douglas Foster (wife, Ashlee), and George Alex Foster.

She is also survived by four sisters: Lori Goodman, Velda Fafoglia

(husband, Lindo), of Springfield, Shirley Bambrough (husband, Bill) of

Moberly, MO., and Marilyn Maxwell of Chatham.

A private family service was held, Saturday, April 16. Burial in

Auburn Cemetery, Auburn, Illinois.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Rich Wolff Memorial

Athletic Fund (RWMAF) c/o Sundown One, 4685 Wabash Ave., Springfield,

IL 62711 and to Wilma’s favorite charity, the Animal Protective

League, 1001 Taintor Road Springfield, IL 62702.

Arrangements were under the direction of Bisch and Son Funeral Home, 505 E. Allen, Springfield.

Please visit the online obituary at www.bischandsonfuneralhome.com where tributes and condolences may be left for the family.