Rose Mae Foster

Heaven grew sweeter on the morning of February 15, 2026, when Rose Mae (Coen) Foster, aged 87, passed peacefully into the arms of her Savior. True to her gentle nature, she slipped away without a fuss, leaving behind a legacy of love that spans generations. Rose is survived by her five children: Diana (Daniel) Bragg, Steven (Donna) Foster, Amy (Robert) Schultz, Jess (Mary Lou) Coen, and Lloyd (Mary) Coen. She was beloved “Grandma Rose” to several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is also survived by sister-in-law Kathy (late Theodore) Foster, some cousins, and many nieces and nephews.

Born and raised in Franklinville, NY, Rose described herself as a “country girl”. She lived most of her adult life in Middleport, NY, as a wife, mother, and homemaker. She joined her husband, Harry L. Foster, in many ventures, including running a Christian bookshop, carrying a paper route for many years, and browsing garage sales and thrift stores. She was interested in upcycling, repairing, and reselling secondhand treasures. She and Harry often attended area flea markets, and had a booth with her daughter Amy at Gordie Harper’s Bazaar in Newfane for over two decades.

Never one to have idle hands, Rose spent her free time sewing, knitting, crocheting, and embroidering heirloom-quality handwork. She was an accomplished cook and baker, as well as
an avid reader. Visitors to her home were warmly welcomed, and she kept up correspondence with distant friends and relatives. Above all, she enjoyed being involved in her children’s and grandchildren’s activities, events, and accomplishments.

One of the great joys in Rose’s life was her cabin in the Southern tier, where she spent time every summer. She spent many peaceful days there reading on the front porch, going out to eat, and watching the deer pass through the yard. At home she also fed the birds, taking great pleasure in watching her colorful feathered friends.

Baptized as a young teen, Rose devoutly prayed and read her Bible every day. Her faith was selfless and quiet; she faithfully served the Lord by being actively involved in her church, by materially and spiritually supporting pastors and their families, and by financially supporting a number of missionary families. She was surely greeted at the gates of Heaven with “Well done, my good and faithful servant!”

In her final years, Rose was in the care of Niagara Hospice, who treated her with the utmost dignity and compassion.

In heaven she joins her late husband, the love of her life, Harry L. Foster, to whom she was married for 46 years. She is also predeceased by her parents, Lloyd Ray and Elma (Deveraux)
Coen, and by her brothers Lloyd Ray (late Neva) Coen Jr. and Thomas (late Mary) Coen Sr.

Though our hearts ache, we find comfort in knowing Rose is now at rest, surrounded by God’s perfect peace. In the radiant presence of the Lord, she dwells where sorrow and pain are no
more. “Surely goodness and mercy followed me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23:

Friends may call Friday, February 20, 4-7 pm at Bates, Wallace & Heath Funeral Home, 38
State St., Middleport, NY. Funeral services will be Saturday at 10 am at the same.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Christian Faith Chapel, 5733 Tonawanda Creek Rd., Lockport, NY 14094; The Royalton Hartland Community Library, 9 Vernon St., Middleport, NY 14105; or Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset Dr., Lockport, NY 14094.

To share a special memory of Rose, please visit: www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com