FOSTER, Estelle Marie (nee Vacon) - With great sadness, we announce the passing of our Mom, Estelle Marie Foster (nee Vacon), affectionately also known as Grandmere, and Tante Estelle, on Saturday, 26 November, 2011, at the Q.E.II – Halifax Infirmary. Born in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, and raised in East Quinan, Nova Scotia, Mom was proud of her French Acadian roots. She attended elementary school in East Quinan, prior to graduating from Yarmouth Vocational School with a diploma in Retail Management. She worked at the Royal Store in Yarmouth as a young adult, where she met her future husband, and love of her life, Bob. Estelle was best known for the tireless giving of herself to others. In addition to be being our Mother, Grandmere, Tante, and friend, she dedicated countless hours, spirit, and energy to volunteerism as a member of Saint Agnes Church in Halifax serving on the social committee, greeting committee, Altar Society, and as a member of the Catholic Women’s League, and Children of Mary. Mom volunteered for many years as a member of the Halifax Infirmary Auxiliary, enjoying years of serving at the former Halifax Infirmary Gift Shoppe, where she enjoyed putting her retail management skills to good use. Following her years at the Halifax Infirmary Gift Shoppe, she was an invaluable asset to her son, Jim, in his retail gift shop ventures. She was also especially fond of her experience as a volunteer when Halifax hosted a Tournament of Hearts at Saint Mary’s Arena several years ago, assisting with the hosting of the Manitoba curlers. While raising her young family she loved to curl at Mayflower Curling Club, enjoying the friendships made, and competitiveness of the sport. She thoroughly loved to watch any, and all, curling on TV. She enjoyed her time at endless numbers of hockey rinks and baseball fields, following the pursuits of her children, and grandson, Robbie. She was a lifelong fan of the Montreal Canadiens, despite concerted efforts from her children to change her allegiances to the Philadelphia Flyers or Boston Bruins. She loved to attend her grandchildren’s school concerts over the years, and took great pride in their achievements. Most recently, she enjoyed bowling as a member of the Happy Gang Bowling League. Mom enjoyed music, especially at Christmas time, looking forward to hearing the carols sung by the choirs of Saint Agnes Church at Christmas Eve Masses. Mom especially loved to travel to Las Vegas with her late husband. She was a cook of exceptional talents, and loved to prepare holiday feasts for her extended family, and friends. Her Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter dinners, pies, jams, and fudge were legendary and enjoyed by many. And she made an outstanding Rappe Pie. She loved having company at the house, and thoroughly enjoyed a good debate, offering firm opinions on any subject you chose, or dared, to raise. Estelle will be lovingly remembered by her family: Sons, Michael (Ann), of Bedford; Gary of Bedford; and Jim (Karen) of Halifax. She was adored by her grandchildren Robbie, Shannon, and Rebecca. She is also survived by her brother Clarence Vacon of East Quinan, Nova Scotia; Pauline Vacon of Calgary, Alberta; and Theresa (Eric) Landry of Willowdale, Ontario. She will be extremely missed by many nieces, nephews, and acquaintances made over the years. Estelle was predeceased by her loving husband, Robert J. Foster, FCA (Grandpere, Uncle Bob); parents, Jerome and Josephine (nee Muise) Vacon; brothers, Alcide, Everette, and Clifford Vacon; and sisters Neomise (Edmund) Muise; Freda Vacon; and Frances (Hans) van der Woerd. The family would like to take this opportunity to extend our sincere thanks to Dr’s. Graeme Bethune, Michael Curley, Kevork Peltekian, Ismail Sharif, and Lana Williams, and the nursing and medical practitioners of 8B, Victoria General Hospital and 7.2, Halifax Infirmary for their dedicated care of our Mom. In addition, we would like to express our gratitude to our Mom’s friends, and neighbours including Angie, Jamie, Rick, Cindy, Bruce, and Becky, for the care and concern shown to our Mom over the years. Mom appreciated her many friendships, especially that of her close friend, Jean Settle. Visitation was held at Atlantic Funeral Homes on 6552 Bayers Road, Halifax on Thursday, 1 December, 2011 fron 2 – 4 PM, and 7 – 9 PM. A celebration of her life took place on Friday, 2 December, 2011 at 10 AM at Saint Agnes Church, 6903 Mumford Road, Halifax, Nova Scotia. A memorial service was also held at 1:30 PM on Saturday, 3 December 2011 at Saint Agnes Parish in East Quinan, Nova Scotia. Interment followed in East Quinan, where Mom was laid to rest with her husband, our Father, Bob. We do, and we will, miss our Mom, and Dad, more than words can say. In addition to being great Parents, they were our best friends. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Estelle may be made to Saint Agnes Church, Halifax, Nova Scotia, or Saint Agnes Parish, East Quinan, Nova Scotia. On-line condolences may be sent by visiting: www.atlanticfuneralhomes.com