Shirley Ann Foster

Shirley Ann Foster, 81, passed away at Summa Akron City Hospital, on May 13, 2026. Shirley was born in Cleveland on March 20, 1945, the eldest child of Henry R. and Adeline J. (Monaco) Palenica. Their family began in the Slavic Village and after young Shirley was joined by siblings Hank and baby Gloria, relocated to the lakeside in Willowick, where they were lifelong active parishioners of St. Mary Magdalene Church. After graduating from Eastlake North, Shirley obtained certificates in Executive Secretarial and Office Management, before taking her first full-time job at a law firm in Downtown Cleveland. In these ‘commuter’ years, driving her convertible to the sounds of Motown, with blond locks flying, she met the love of her life— Augustus ‘Gus’ Lorraine Foster. Shirley and Gus were married in 1970 and shared 52 years together before Gus passed in 2022.

Akron was where they chose to build their lives together. From 1972, they were deeply rooted in the at-large community and devoted members of St. Sebastian Parish. Shirley was a dedicated volunteer. Listed in the 1972 edition of Outstanding Young Women of America, she was a groundbreaker and the bedrock of the Akron Jaycee Wives (Past President), Akron Jaycees and Akron Jaycee Foundation (30 years as Executive Secretary/Director). She also served Goodwill Industries (Past Member of the Board), The World Series of Golf (Firestone Invitational) and on the Summit County Juvenile Court Board.

Shirley was instrumental in keeping the All-American Soap Box Derby in Akron when the original sponsor pulled out in the early 1970’s. Amongst many responsibilities, she served for over 30 years as Race Week Chairman of Parents Registration for the Derby. For this life of outstanding service, Shirley was inducted into the International Soap Box Derby Hall of Fame in 2005. She always held her ‘Derby Family’ dear.

Shirley and Gus lived in West Akron for more than 50 years. They were proud of their home and neighborhood. She was an enthusiastic gardener, with an amazing green thumb - and took delight in maintaining her yard, filling it with color and life. Shirley was a recipient of the Keep Akron Beautiful Recognition Award for more than a dozen years! One of her favorite stories to tell was how Shannon was born after a day of hard work planting her favorite marigolds and geraniums in the Spring.

While a devoted school board member and the best kind of soccer-Mom, Shirley also found time to work as a representative for Hallmark and American Greetings. She dabbled in the local tire industry, trying to keep Rubber companies local while working in customer service for both BFGoodrich and Goodyear over the years. In retirement, she was always on the go, spending time with friends (the special Curves Crew) and of course, was in full Grandma mode 24/7.

A devoted Wife, Mom and Grandma, she will be forever missed by son Scott Henry (Kathy), daughter Dr. Shannon Marie Foster (Adam Smye-Rumsby); and her four beloved grandchildren Jillian, Sierra, Wyatt and Adeline; siblings, Hank (Donna) and Gloria (Carmen), who were at her side all of her life.

Per Shirley’s wishes, there are no calling hours. Cremation has occurred and committal alongside her beloved Gus will take place at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman on MONDAY, June 22 at 10:45 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Shirley’s memory to the St. Sebastian Parish Foundation, for the attention of the Grounds Crew Flower Fund, or to Keep Akron Beautiful.

Services in care of the Billow Funeral Homes and Crematory, 85 N. Miller Road Akron, OH 44333 (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)