Leslie Reunion 1999 home page | Start of Family Tree | Foster page in family tree

My Mom and Dad, Courtney and Mary Ellen (Leslie) Foster, met when Dad went down to Mexico in the late 1920s to work at the Mexico City Branch of the Canadian Bank of Commerce. They were married in 1932 at the fabled "Little Church Around the Corner" in New York City, and then moved to Toronto. I was born in October, 1934. My sister, Alice, was born a little more than a year afterwards, in Mexico City. In 1939 and 1943, our brothers Courtney and Leslie came along to complete our family -- or so we thought! In 1955, when I was twenty years old, we happily welcomed a new baby into the Foster family, our brother Joe.

We all received our early education in the Toronto area, and with the exception of Les, who lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia, all still live in or near Toronto.

Daddy passed away in February, 1991, in his 92nd year. Mom is still doing well at the age of 92, and lives on her own in a seniors' apartment. We see her regularly, and Les keeps in touch with weekly telephone calls.

My husband, Richard, and I were married in 1957. Richard's parents were born in Croatia, and emigrated to Canada in the late 1920s. In 1928, Richard was born in Huntsville, which is a town in the beautiful lakes district of Ontario, called Muskoka. Coincidentally, we have our summer cottage a few miles from Huntsville, and love to spend time at the lake in the summer. Richard is now retired, and enjoys working on our cars, around the house and at the cottage, as well as doing the necessary jobs at a rental property which we own.

We have three wonderful children, Rick, Maria and Brian. They are all single, so we have no grandchildren as yet. Rick has a construction and renovation business, and is working part-time towards his Architecture degree. Maria is a Veterinary Assistant, and trains our dogs, as well as occasionally teaching classes in dog training. Brian is an elementary school teacher. He spent several years teaching overseas, in Poland and Korea, and is now teaching in a town not far from home.

Rick and Brian inherited their Dad's mechanical ability, and treasure their collection of older cars (mostly 60s and 70s vintage). Some of these are former family cars kept for their sentimental value. A few have been restored, and when time and money permit, they plan to restore as many as possible. (Note from Brian to all other car collectors in the family: Bring your photo albums!)

I was very interested to read that Alberto, Zulema's husband, breeds and trains German Shepherds. We all love dogs, and at this time we have four, and one cat. Maria has trained two of our Labrador Retrievers to titles in obedience, flyball, agility, and retrieving. We were very proud when, in 1996, our wonderful Yellow Lab, Cherokee, was ninth in Obedience (all breeds) in Canada. Maria is now training our adorable little American Cocker Spaniel, Gillis, in the same disciplines, and, as well, has shown him successfully in conformation, so that he is now a Canadian/American Champion.

For a few years after I married, I worked as a secretary, but when I became pregnant for the first time I quit my job and enjoyed staying home with the children for about sixteen years. I then went back to work as a legal secretary. When my last boss retired a couple of years ago, I planned to retire as well, but the firm asked if I would like to work part-time for a while. I decided to do so, and have enjoyed a three-day work week very much; however, I plan to retire fully by my sixty-fifth birthday next October.

Horseback riding is my favourite hobby, and I take instruction in classical riding at a wonderful facility about an hour's drive from home. There, they breed Andalusian horses, and I love being around the stallions, mares and babies. I enjoy very much being the editor of our Riding Club newsletter. Being very devoted to animal welfare, I have been a long-time volunteer at the Toronto Humane Society, am secretary of our local Kennel Club, and support animal charities.

Richard and I, Rick and Brian (and, hopefully, Maria) will be travelling to St. Louis for the reunion. We look forward to seeing many of you again, and meeting lots of members of the family for the first time. Thanks to our dear cousin Zulema for her vision in planning this event, and for all the hard work that she has put into it so far!