MWC Board, staff, and volunteers are deeply saddened by the passing of MWC Board Member Emerita and long-time Moline High School teacher and administrator Mary C. Foster.

Mary was a light to all around her, a terrific educator, and an important member of the MWC community. She served as Board Vice president, and chaired the committee that secured MWC’s first location, after the unexpected passing of MWC co-founder David R. Collins in 2001. She was also a charter member of MWC’s Legacy Society.

Below is her obituary, courtesy of Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home. Our prayers and love go out to all her friends and family. She will be deeply missed, and we are all grateful for her service and for her friendship.

“Mary C. Foster, 81, of Rock Island, passed away Thursday, February 7, 2019 at Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House, Bettendorf.

 A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am on Tuesday, February 12, 2019 at St. Pius X Catholic Church, Rock Island.  Visitation will be one hour prior to service at church.  Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery, Rock Island.  Memorials may be made to St. Pius X Catholic Church, Rock Island or to the Midwest Writing Center. 

Mary was born on December 29, 1937 in Mexico, MO, the daughter of George B. and Mary Jane (Barnbrook) Steckel.  She married George Foster on August 29, 1965 in Illinois.  Mary worked as a teacher and administrator for the Moline School District for 35 years.  She was a member of: St. Pius X Catholic Church, Rock Island, Midwest Writing Center, Kiwanis of Moline, and the Blackhawk Unit of Retired Teachers. 

Mary is survived by her sister-in-law, Anne Steckel; nephews, Father Greg Steckel, John G. Steckel; niece, Anne V. (Brett) Frazier; numerous other nieces and nephews; and very special friends, Shirley Thomas and Gee Green.  She was preceded in death by her husband, George Foster; parents; infant son, George Michael Foster; and brother, George B. Steckel.”