Eleanor "Gram" Foster
Dedicated to the memory of Eleanor "Gram" Foster
Obituary
She was born Eleanor Elsie Kimball on May 23, 1932 in the front bedroom of 57 Main Street, Salem NH. Eleanor would live there for most of her life. She graduated from Woodbury High School as valedictorian in 1950. She attended Gordon College in Massachusetts where she got her bachelor’s degree in education. She was the pianist for the college choir. In 1954 her father, C. Lester Kimball, was tragically killed in a barn fire. He was a volunteer with the Salem Fire Department. Eleanor cared for her mother, Minnie Kimball, until she passed away in 1980.
Upon graduating from Gordon, Eleanor took a job as a 3rd grade teacher at the Fisk school in Salem. As her husband liked to say, after that year she was demoted to 1st grade where she taught for 34 years at Fisk, Lancaster and North Salem schools. She loved teaching and even after retirement continued to substitute and volunteer at the school into her 80’s.
Eleanor married Stanley Wilson Foster on July 1, 1961. They raised two children, Nancy Louise and Wayne Alan, in the house where she had been born. In addition to teaching full-time, she always made time to take her children to music lessons, school events and lots of summer activities. The family vacationed for two weeks every summer, usually in Schroon Lake, NY or West Dennis, MA. They also took many trips to historical places such as Gettysburg, Washington D.C. and Philadelphia
Eleanor enjoyed crocheting afghans for everyone and reading to her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She once read 14 books to a grandchild in one sitting. In her later years she enjoyed volunteering with her grandson’s Special Oympics team where she was known as “just call me Gram”. She also regularly spent a couple of mornings each week helping in the Renew clothes closet at her church.
Eleanor was pre-deceased by her parents, C. Lester and Minnie Kimball; her husband, Stanley Foster; a brother, Charles Kimball; and a sister, Elizabeth Gordon.
Eleanor is survived by her daughter, Nancy Kish and husband Edward, and her son, Wayne Foster and partner, Jeanette; her grandchildren Edward and wife Rachel, Philip, Charles and wife Lucy, Samuel and wife Kayla, Kristina and partner Dakota, Daniel and wife Lauren, Righley and Colby and 9 great grandchildren.
You Are My Wife
God gave you to me. You are my wife.
Hand in hand we'll walk through life.
There will be good times and bad times too.
Sometimes we'll be happy, sometimes blue.
But if our trust is in the Father above.
Come what may we'll have each other's love.
I know I'm not all that I should really be.
I have my faults as you can plainly see.
But as long as your love for me is strong
I know, my love, my life will be a song.
You are my wife, that's all I care.
We'll walk together, our burdens we'll share.
-Stanley W Foster
Timeline
1950
High School
Graduated Salem High School in 1950 and was valedictorian of her class
1954
Loss of a hero
Eleanor's father, Charles Lester, was a volunteer firefighter for many years in Salem. Sadly on a stormy night in 1954, Charles lost his life in the line of duty when a burning barn collapsed with him inside. This event would drastically change Eleanor's life as she had to assume the duties of head of the family and help in caring for her mother, Minnie, who suffered a breakdown following Charles' death.
1954
College
Graduated with a bachelors degree in education from Gordon College, She also was a member of the chorus at Gordon and travelled around New England with them performing at various churches and events.
1955
Teaching Life
Eleanor served as a teacher in the Salem School District for 34 years most of that teaching first grade. She spent the majority of her time at the Lancaster and North Salem schools during the latter part of her teaching career.
1961
Wedding Bells
In 1960, Eleanor married Staley Foster whom she had met at the Rumney Bible Conference. They honeymooned in Cape Cod, MA, a place that would become a favorite travel destination for years to come.
1962
A baby is born
Eleanor gave birth to her first child. Nancy Louise was born on July 4, 1963.
1968
And now a son
Stan and Eleanor welcomed their second child, Wayne, on Dec 16, 1968.
1990
Retirement
Eleanor planned an early retirement to be able to spend time with her husband, Stanley, and do some travelling. Their first trip was to Bermuda which they thoroughly enjoyed. Sadly, on the eve of their second trip, a trip to Disney, Stan suffered a stroke and the next few years were spent caring for him before he passed.
1993
Teaching Again
After Stan's passing, Eleanor returned to school as a substitute teacher, teaching in the same schools she had spent the better part of her life working in.
2001
Special Olympics
In her later years, one of Eleanor's favorite pastimes was helping with the Salem Special Olympics where her son was a coach and her grandson, Philip, was a Special Olympics athlete. She was affectionately know as "Gram" and was always ready with cookies to share at break time.
Gallery
Memory wall
Post a message or share your memories and photos.
December 18, 2025
My condolences to Mrs Foster's family.
I had Mrs Foster for 1st grade at Fisk School in 1964-65. I have always remembered her as a very kind, sweet and patient lady, the perfect teacher for a first grader.
I was very surprised and happy to learn that she lived such a long and prosperous life.
I for one will always remember you Mrs Foster with genuine gratitude.
Rest In Peace.
I had Mrs Foster for 1st grade at Fisk School in 1964-65. I have always remembered her as a very kind, sweet and patient lady, the perfect teacher for a first grader.
I was very surprised and happy to learn that she lived such a long and prosperous life.
I for one will always remember you Mrs Foster with genuine gratitude.
Rest In Peace.
December 12, 2025
Nancy and Wayne , I am so sorry for your loss. Your mom was very giving and one of the kindest person . Please accept my sincere condolences on your loss.
December 11, 2025
I am very sorry for your loss. I was a neighbor in the early seventies renting from the McNultys next door. But I grew up in Salem and knew parents and Uncle Charles. They were all wonderful people, the salt of the earth. RIP Eleanor.
December 11, 2025
December 11, 2025
Miss Kimball/Mrs. Foster was my first grade teacher in 1960/61. I have very fond memories of her. She was a wonderful teacher. She was so kind, loving, caring & gentle. I knew as a child, she loved children & really cared about all of us. I lived on Main Street in Salem as did she, and every time I walked by her house I would stop & say hello, she welcomed me all the time. After she married Mr. Foster, who was also a wonderful person, I was probably in 2nd or 3rd grade, my sister Karen must have been in 1st. Mr. & Mrs Foster took us to Bensons Zoo. I remember having a wonderful time. I truly could go on & on. I remember when you, Nancy & your brother Wayne were born. I would visit more often to see you both.
I am so sorry for your loss, I’m sure you know your mom left lasting memories on a lot of people.
Miss Kimball/Mrs. Foster was my first grade teacher in 1960/61. I have very fond memories of her. She was a wonderful teacher. She was so kind, loving, caring & gentle. I knew as a child, she loved children & really cared about all of us. I lived on Main Street in Salem as did she, and every time I walked by her house I would stop & say hello, she welcomed me all the time. After she married Mr. Foster, who was also a wonderful person, I was probably in 2nd or 3rd grade, my sister Karen must have been in 1st. Mr. & Mrs Foster took us to Bensons Zoo. I remember having a wonderful time. I truly could go on & on. I remember when you, Nancy & your brother Wayne were born. I would visit more often to see you both.
I am so sorry for your loss, I’m sure you know your mom left lasting memories on a lot of people.
December 9, 2025
Eleanor was my first grade teacher at Fisk School. Eleanor’s mom, Mrs Kimball took care of myself and my sister while my parents worked. Eleanore and Mrs Kimball were always there on Main Street, welcoming a visit . After Mrs Kimball past, Eleanor called me over to their home and gave me a wonderful” Spoon Pin” which I alway remembered as a child and still cherish today. Rest in Peace Eleanor, I will always remember you fondly.
December 9, 2025
I am so sorry for your loss Wayne and Nancy. I enjoyed many games of Words with Friends with your mom lol. She won all the time. Your mom was a special lady. You’re in my thoughts and prayers as she is home with Jesus.
December 9, 2025
Eleanor was a legend in the Salem School District. I got to know her as a colleague at meetings and trainings when I started teaching first grade. Later, when I became a principal at North Salem Elementary, Eleanor was my go to godsend when I needed a substitute. We had lots of conversations -lots of times about the old days of teaching, but mostly about the family she loved so much. She was dedicated, stoic, loved all kids, firm - yet her students could always see her kindness through that. A wonderful educator, but more importantly, a wonderful human being.
December 9, 2025
Miss Kimball (Foster) was my first grade teacher at Fisk School in Salem. She was an excellent teacher and a wonderful person. She was a special teacher in her time as she went above and beyond at made her an excellent educator. Not many people knew, but she actually tutored me, at my home, several days each week, long after schools closed for the day. I often wonder if the Salem Sch. Dist. ever compensated her for her extra service beyond the school day. I know for sure that my parents appreciated her devotion. I was disabled and unable to attend school every day, but she aways brought me on field trips (in her car) and made sure I was in the class for special days like classroom parties Let me say that for a then 6 yr old this meant the world to me as Miss Kimball defined "inclusion" long before it was politcally correct. She will always be remembered and special. My sincerest condolences to her dear family.
December 8, 2025
Mrs. Foster was a great person, very caring. She was my sister’s first grade teacher at Lancaster Elementary School in 1970. I later saw her many times when I worked at Lake Street Garden Center where she visited often. She was so friendly. My condolences to her family and friends.
December 8, 2025
I am so sorry for your loss. Your mother was wonderful teacher and very caring woman. She was 1st grade teacher to both of my daughters at the North Salem School. I would often see her at Market Basket and say to myself...she hasn't aged one bit! God bless her. She was truly a bright light and incredible teacher. May she rest in peace with your Dad.
December 8, 2025
My heart is broken for Eleanor's family, but we know she is in the presence of our Lord. She was such a good friend to our Mom, Joyce Thomas. There isn't a single thing that she would not do to help someone out. Praying for her family as they deal with their loss.❤️
December 8, 2025
Mrs. Foster was always so sweet during my high school years. She always gave great hugs, warm smiles and yummy molasses cookies. I’m so glad I was able to visit with her before she went home to the Lord. She looked beautiful and peaceful.
I’m sorry for your loss Wayne and Nancy.
I’m sorry for your loss Wayne and Nancy.
December 8, 2025
Eleanor was an incredible individual. Her joy of life inspired all her knew her. She will be sadly missed.
December 8, 2025
Sorry for your loss my prayers are with your families
She was my first grade teacher and a friend in my later life I’m am blessed to have known her
A picture of our last visit
She was my first grade teacher and a friend in my later life I’m am blessed to have known her
A picture of our last visit
Family tree
Other family members
Full name
Charles Lester Kimball
Minnie Kinzler
Stanley Foster
Elizabeth Gordon
Charles Kimball
Wayne Foster
Children
Philip Foster
Chip Foster
Nancy Foster Kish
Children
Eddie Kish
Sam Kish
Dan Kish
Kristina Kish
Colby Kish
Elizabeth Gordon
Charles Kimball
Stanley Foster
Wayne Foster
Philip Foster
Chip Foster
Nancy Foster Kish
Eddie Kish
Sam Kish
Dan Kish
Kristina Kish
Colby Kish
Eleanor Foster
Favorites
What was Eleanor's favorite Travel destination?
Cape Cod - Stan and Eleanor went to Cape Cod for their honeymoon and it became a favorite family vacation destination when the kids were growing up. Many summer vacations were spent at Tamarak Cove cotteges at West Dennis beach. One of her favorite memories later in life was the trip that Wayne took her on a few years before her stroke when they returned to the area and visited many of the places she remembered from her past.
Her daughter Nancy and her family live on a farm in Vermont. Eleanor would visit there often during the good weather months. She would enjoy spending time to the Vermont grandchildren, visiting local destinations and even walking the llamas at the farm.
Her daughter Nancy and her family live on a farm in Vermont. Eleanor would visit there often during the good weather months. She would enjoy spending time to the Vermont grandchildren, visiting local destinations and even walking the llamas at the farm.
What was Eleanor's favorite Game to play?
Scrabble/Words With Friends - Even if we didn't talk to her every day we always knew she was doing OK as long as we got her latest moves in her ongoing WWF games with all of us. Even at the end she could still hold her own and win her fair share of games. She often complained about the "level of competition" at the Terrace because it was not up to her standards!
What cause was important to Eleanor?
Special Olympics/ Kimi Nichols Center - "Gram" Foster was a constant presence at our Special Olympics events and was the official team grandmother. She treated every athlete like they were her own family and they all loved to see her, especially at break time when she would pull out the cookies.
What was Eleanor's favorite Quote or Saying?
We'll see! - Nancy and Wayne heard this phrase more times during their childhood than they could count. And they knew that it really meant "NO!"
What was Eleanor's favorite Sports Team?
Celtics, Revolution - She always enjoyed watching the Celtics and Revolution games because she knew that Wayne and Chip were also watching and then would talk to her about it. I don't think she ever did fully understand "off sides" in soccer but it didn't matter.
What was Eleanor's faith?
Eleanor was a long time member of Calvary Bible Church in Derry where she taught Sunday school and also volunteered in the Renew clothes closet.
What was Eleanor's favorite Sport?
Her favorite sport was whatever her children or grandchildren were playing at the moment.
What was Eleanor's favorite way to exercise?
Gram used to enjoy walking and often during her time living on Lake Street she would often walk down to the Garden Center across the street where she could see all the flowers and plants and visit with her many neighbors who worked there.
What was Eleanor's favorite Music / Song?
Having sung in the chorus in college, she was fond of religious songs and traditional Baptist hymns. One of her favorites was How Great Thou Art.
What was Eleanor's favorite Food or Dish?
One of her favorite dishes was the Orange Chicken that Wayne used to make. But of more importance was the fact that she HATED cheese. Especially Mac and Cheese!
What was Eleanor's favorite Drink?
Black Coffee
What was Eleanor's favorite TV show?
Eleanor and Stan used to watch Wheel Of Fortune every night even when he was sick and didn't always understand what was being said.
What was Eleanor's favorite Restaurant?
One restaurant in particular that she loved was Jerry's, which was a little diner on Cape Cod. It was one of the places that she was able to visit on that last trip to the Cape with Wayne in 2018. There is a picture below of her at the restaurant.
Fun fact about Eleanor:
After 34 years of teaching, Eleanor seemed to know "everybody". We could never go on a trip anywhere without her running into someone she knew because she had them in first grade or taught their kids. Whether it was Bermuda, Nova Scotia, Florida, it didn't matter where we were, she found people she knew.
Donate
Eleanor has asked that in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the Kimi Nichols Center or to Calvary Bible Church.
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