Ilse C. Nisius Foster, 97 years young, passed away on July 11, 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 40s and worked for the Monroe school system for 35 years, retiring at age 75. 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, Erin Rose, and Shannon Grace Espitee; and 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, and 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 work camps and, after Hurricane Katrina, volunteered yearly at the Back-Bay Mission in Biloxi, Mississippi, 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, at 11 am, at the Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West Street.

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, please visit leskopolkefuneralhome.com.