Helen E. Foster, 92, a longtime Baker resident, died June 25, 2004, at her home.
At her request cremation was held and there will be no services.
Helen Elizabeth Foster was born Oct. 22, 1911, in Poland, one of seven children. She attended Catholic schools in the Chicago area.
Upon graduation from high school, she packed her bags, got on a train and ventured out West to Sun Valley, Idaho, where she was employed as a personal maid to the movie stars who vacationed there. She proudly told stories of meeting many of the big screen actors and actresses and became friends with many of them.
While working at Sun Valley, she met Marvin L. Foster, a bellboy at the same resort. They were married on May 26, 1940. After staying in Sun Valley awhile longer, they moved to California where their first two children were born.
They eventually moved to Boise, where they stayed for several years. In 1959, on a trip to Portland, they stayed overnight at the Tower Motel and a few months later moved to Baker City as the new owners of that establishment.
They went on to purchase the Green Gables Motel in Baker City and made that their home for many years. In 1988, they sold the motel and bought a residence in Baker City to retire to. Mrs. Foster was always very active and truly enjoyed being with people.
Survivors include her husband of 64 years, Marvin; a daughter, Gail Foster, and her husband, Bruce Stofer, and a daughter and son-in-law, Pat and Tim Pope of Baker City.
She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Allan, in 1988.
Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice through Coles Funeral Home, 1950 Place St., Baker City, OR 97814.
Used with permission from: Baker City Herald, Baker City, Oregon, July 2, 2004
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor