Carolyn Marie Foster, 63, died peacefully at the Gregory Wing in Boothbay Harbor on January 11 with her loving family by her side.

She was born on February 6, 1950 in Montclair, N.J., the daughter of the late Mario and Margaret McKnight Messa. Growing up in Sudbury, Mass., Carolyn was a graduate of Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School and went on to attend college at the University of Maine where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Carolyn did her training at Maine Medical Center, continuing on until taking time off to raise children. Later her career eventually brought her to St. Andrews Hospital and a community she fell in love with.

Carolyn was one of six children and, with her husband Gregory, she raised five children of her own. She never missed a concert, game or recital. Carolyn was a devoted pastor’s wife and was very active in the parishes to which they were appointed. She enjoyed playing the piano and organ, singing and teaching Sunday school. Carolyn’s compassion and care showed through especially when working with her patients, with a calm, loving bedside demeanor that was nothing short of superior to everyone she cared for. Carolyn was known to make everyone feel comfortable no matter the circumstance.

As a member of the Sheepscot Valley Chorus for several years, Carolyn loved to sing with the group, and especially enjoyed the Christmas and Easter concerts. Favorite times were spent at the family camp on Lake Willoughby, Vt., where she exhibited her adventurous, pioneering spirit. She cherished the many memories they made there with her family, as well as her extended families. Carolyn was a tremendous example to her peers and to her church community. She was a devout Christian woman, a true reflection of who God is and will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by all that knew and loved her.

She was predeceased by a brother, Donald Messa.

Survivors include her loving husband of 38 years, Rev. Gregory Foster of Wiscasset; children, Grace West and her husband Marty of West Newton, Mass., Margaret Foster of Portland, Joel Foster and his wife Dawn of Sudbury, Mass., Daniel Foster and his fiancée Elyse Neilan, of Portsmouth, R.I., and Abigail Foster of Wiscasset; sisters, Jean Warman and her husband David of Topsham, Diane Varela and her husband Venancio of Spain, Elizabeth Beers and her husband Gregory of Lunenburg, Mass., and Beatrice Woodward and her husband Geoffrey of Glen Mills, Pa.; grandchildren, Quinn and Samuel West of West Newton, Mass.; sister-in-law, Andrea Whittaker and her husband Edward of Arcadia, Fla.; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A time of visitation will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 16 at Simmons, Harrington and Hall Funeral Home 975 Wiscasset Road, Boothbay.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, Jan. 17 at 11 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Boothbay Harbor with Pastor Ami Sawtelle officiating.

You are invited to share your condolences, photos and memories with the family by visiting their Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD), Radnor Station Building 2, Suite 320, 290 King of Prussia Road, Radnor, PA 19087 or go to www.theaftd.org to donate online.

Arrangements are entrusted to Simmons, Harrington and Hall, Boothbay.