Genevieve Naritelli Foster

Genevieve Naritelli Foster passed away peacefully on February 28, 2023, at 103 years of age. She was born on August 26, 1919, in Prescott, Arizona. Her parents were Thomas and Teresa Naritelli, who immigrated to the United States through Ellis Island in 1903 from Castione Andevenno, Italy.

Genny’s father passed away when she was two years old, and when she was five years old her mother moved with her and her three older sisters to Los Angeles, California. She graduated from Venice High School and Willis Business College. In 1945, she was married to Mervin Frank Foster at St. Augustine by-the-Sea Episcopal Church in Santa Monica. She was a secretary, and her husband was an executive for Roberts Markets Organization. She was then a homemaker for 77 years. Genny and Merv were happily married for 51 years. She resided in Santa Monica for 30 years, Escondido for 13 years, and La Habra for 34 years.

Genny was voted Most Vivacious at Venice High School and continued that spirit throughout her life. She valued service, hospitality, and encouragement to her family, friends, church, and community. At St. Augustine’s she devotedly served as President of the Women of the Church, President of the St. Helena’s Guild, and President of the Altar Guild, providing thoughtfulness and care to all. Genny was also an accomplished golfer at Riviera Country Club and Escondido Country Club and community golf courses, having two-holes-in-one and winning many tournaments during her decades of competition. She played golf and continued her volunteer work through St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, her local libraries, and Meals on Wheels until the age of 98. She was a member of the Eastern Star and received her 50-year pin in 2020.

She was committed to graciousness and generosity through her entertaining, cooking, baking, and exceptional creativity in knitting, crocheting, quilt making, and needlework. She loved reading and the written word and sent thousands of thoughtful communications to family and friends in letters and cards for every occasion. She is held in love and gratitude by her family and friends.

Genevieve was preceded in death by her husband, Mervin Frank Foster, and her son, Kenneth Angell Foster. She is survived by her son, Richard Mervin Foster (Marjorie) and by her daughter, Ann Foster Golay (predeceased by Keith) and grandchildren, Douglas Foster (Michelle), Robin Foster Love (predeceased by Scott), Thomas Foster (Judy), Steven Foster (Kimberly), Allison Keller (Michael), Lara Golay (Oscar Hakenaes), Shelby Cavette (Andrew), Robert Foster (Ashley), Anastasia Koeppen (Jack), and great-grandchildren, Alexander, Megan, Adam, Kyle, Julia, Joshua, Jonathan, Abigail, Amanda, Samantha, Owen, Ainsley, Audrey, and Carolyn, and nephew Brian Kimes (Kathalyn).

The funeral service will be held on Friday, June 23, 2023, at 10:30 AM at St. Augustine by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, 1227 4th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401. The burial service will follow at 1:00 PM at Woodlawn Cemetery, 1847 14th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90404.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Masonic Outreach Services and public libraries.