Elizabeth McDowell Foster (98) of New Haven, Connecticut, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, at Yale New Haven Hospital. Elizabeth McDowell was born in Blairsville, Pa., on April 8, 1926. She was the daughter of the late Dudley and Adline Butts McDowell.
Elizabeth graduated from Blairsville High School with honors. Her eldest sister, Viola Morrow inspired her to relocate to New Haven to attend the Modern Secretarial Academy, and later graduating with an Associate Degree in Business Administration. She loved learning and believed in higher education.
Elizabeth McDowell married James A. Foster in 1950. As the result of their marriage, they raised three beloved children, James, Jr., Keith, and Kathy. Their marriage spanned 63 years until James’ death on November 17, 2013. Elizabeth was a strong matriarch leading the way for her family. Her greatest accomplishment was raising her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She opened her home to other family members in need. “My recipe for a good home is a loving, nurturing family unit where values are communicated” (Elizabeth Foster).
After marriage she received her Bachelor of Science Degree from Albertus Magnus College and her Master of Science degree from Southern Connecticut State University. She received additional training in “Human Relations and Communication” and “Principles of Supervision for Human Service Personnel.” Her education and training led her to be employed by the State of Connecticut Department of Income Maintenance (DIM) in New Haven and the commissioner’s office at DIM in Hartford. She worked at High Meadows as a secretary to superintendent and supervisor of secretaries for the Department of Children and Families (DCF) until her retirement.
Elizabeth was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church where she served as the Church Clerk, Deaconess, Deacon (2004), and a member of the Senior Choir and Debutante Pageant Committee. She was honored for 25 years of service as an usher and the recipient of the Nannie Helen Burroughs Award for Christian Science.
Elizabeth was an avid volunteer in many endeavors. She participated in the DCF Truancy Prevention Program, the Professional Development Workshop Training Advisory and the Affirmative Action Advisory Committees. In 1982, Elizabeth became a member of the Blue-Ribbon Committee on Quality Teaching established by the Board of Education and superintendent of schools. In addition, she was a lifetime member of the NAACP and a member of its Executive Board. Also, she was a member of the National Council of Negro Women, the New Haven Club of the National Association of Business, and the Professional Women’s Club and served as a corresponding secretary. She was a member of the Order of Eastern Star PHA, Eurecka Chapter #2, the Heroines of Jericho, and the Interfaith Caregiver.
Elizabeth enjoyed traveling with family and friends. She even traveled on a 30-day cross-country trip by train. One of her favorite vacation places was Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts with her son Jay. Another favorite was the Sight and Sound Theatre in Lancaster, Pa. The Butts Family Reunions brought much joy to her life. She was disappointed that she missed the 2024 Butts Family Reunion in Atlanta, Ga., because she did not want to travel that far on an airplane.
She was an avid reader and a member of a book club. Later in life, she enjoyed word search puzzles. Elizabeth was known for her delicious turkey stuffing recipe and would always prepare it during the big family gatherings at Thanksgiving.
Elizabeth was predeceased by her parents, Dudley and Adline McDowell; her husband James; her son Keith; and her siblings Viola Morrow, Essie Smith, Francis McDowell, Katherine Perdue, Thelouizs English, L.Z. English, James, English, and Charles Gomez.
Elizabeth was known as Betty to many people and Aunt Pet to many relatives. Elizabeth McDowell Foster leaves to cherish her memory her loving son James (Jay) Jr., (Ruth); daughter Kathy Lynn; five grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren, including her special great granddaughter, Jayana, whom she raised as a small child; eight great great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
Elizabeth was especially interested in working with the disabled, the elderly, and young people. Her philosophy of life was, “If I can help somebody, as I pass along, then my living shall not be in vain.”
A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, Dec. 9, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Immanuel Missionary Baptist Church, 1324 Chapel St., New Haven, CT 06511. Friends may call from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the church. Entombment will follow in Beaverdale Memorial Park, New Haven. Services by Howard K. Hill Funeral Services, 1287 Chapel St., New Haven, CT 06511. To leave a message of comfort for the family, please visit our website at www.hkhfuneralservices.com