Alma Eliza "Almy" Nichols Foster (1859-1935)
(Mrs. Edson Foster)

Mrs. Alma (Nichols) Foster, wife of the late Edson Foster, was born July 29, 1859, and passed from her loved ones the afternoon of January 14, 1935. She was the daughter of pioneer settlers in this community -- Horatio Nelson Nichols and Phoebe Eliza (Kenyon) Nichols. With the exception of some years in Chicago Heights, she has lived her life in Lowell. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, giving gladly of the work of her hands and means to its support.

In early life deafness became her lot which was a handicap to social enjoyment her nature craved. She was one who grappled the hard tasks of life with fortitude; to her there was always a way out. She loved her neighbors, kindred and friends and was always willing to give the helping hand. She was the mother of three children -- a daughter dying in infancy; George Lester of Lowell, and Harry Edson, of Hammond. She leaves these and one grandson, Richard, to mourn her loss. Lyman, a grandson, for whom she sorely grieved, having gone before her. Of her immediate family, one brother, Charles Elmer Nichols of Santa Monica, California, survives; also, many nieces and nephews who will always think lovingly of "Aunt Almy."

Having enjoyed her work as well as laughter and play, the words can truly be spoken of her: "Thou hast been faithful over a few things -- I will make thee ruler over many things -- enter thou into the joy of thy Lord."

Funeral services were held at the First M.E. church Wednesday at 2 p.m., Rev. R.H. Crowder officiating. Interment in the Lowell cemetery in charge of Weaver & Son.

* NOTE -- Although a Jan. 1981 Pioneer History article lists the death year of Alma (nee Nichols) Foster as 1934, this obituary as well as the Lowell Cemetery index at the Lowell Public Library list it as 1935.