Ilse C. Nisius Foster, 97-years young, died on July 11, 2021 at her home, with her loving daughters by her side.
Ilse was born in Ridgewood Queens, N.Y., to the late Karl and Katherine Nisius. She earned her Associate’s degree in library sciences in her 40’s and worked for the Monroe School system for 35 years, retiring at age 75. She is a former Monroe resident.
She will be remembered for her love of life, family, travel and roller coasters. She was predeceased by her loving husband of 52 years, Robert A. Foster, and her daughter Ilse K. Geslien.
She is survived by two daughters Louisa M. Foster of Southbury and Elizabeth L. Schultz of Monroe, five grandchildren; Brian (Kristen) Espitee, Jennell (Dave) Espitee, Jason and Hunter (Stacy) Geslien and Hans Geslien- Alonzo (Tony), seven great grandchildren; Katrina, Zachary, Hunter, Joshua, and Kayla Geslien, and Erin Rose and Shannon Grace Espitee in addition to many nieces and nephews.
Her love of travel took her to many European countries, Iceland, Egypt and all over the United States and Canada. She was a brownie and girl scout troop leader and a girls softball coach. She was active member of the American Legion Sippin-Winspur Post 176 for 63 years and a member of the Newtown Congregational Church for 65 years, serving as a deacon, choir member, bell choir member, working monthly at the Dorothy Day Soup Kitchen and at the church Cornerstone thrift shop.
In 2003 she began working with the church youth group at yearly workcamps and after Katrina volunteered yearly at the Back-Bay mission in Biloxi, Miss., rebuilding homes, until two years ago.
Ilse almost completed her bucket list this past April by taking a helicopter ride for her birthday. She will be dearly missed by her family, friends and the countless number of lives she touched.
At Ilse’s request, there will be no calling hours, a Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, July 17, 2021 at 11 a.m. at the Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West Street in Newtown.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the American Legion Sippin-Winspur Post 176, 48 Crestwood Road, Monroe, CT 06468 or the Back-Bay Mission, 1012 Division Street, Biloxi, MS 39530. For travel directions or to sign her online guest register, visit www.LeskoPolkeFuneralHome.com.
