Maude Beckham Foster

Published 10:59 am Tuesday, October 6, 2015

On October 3, 2015, at the remarkable age of 101, Maude Beckham Foster died peacefully in her sleep at her home in Vienna.

Mrs. Foster was predeceased by her parents, Maude Hamner Beckham and Dr. Paul Warriner Beckham; as well as by her siblings, Evelyn, Royall and Tommy. She is survived by a son, John Beckham Foster of Blackstone and a stepson, Shelton Foster of Farmville, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews and their children.

Although her family addressed her as Maudie, most of her friends called her “Randy” a nickname for Randolph (which was her middle name).

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Maudie was born in Farmville on July 31, 1914, and was reared in that charming town. She left to attend Marion Junior College, returned to Farmville and graduated from what is now known as Longwood University. Credentials in hand, Maudie set out to pursue a life of teaching, travel and adventure.

Southwestern University was where Maudie had her very first teaching job. She later traveled to Texas to teach, and that entire experience was one of her first professional “adventures”. She taught in Hopewell and other locations in Virginia before heading to Northern Virginia where she taught for many years until her retirement. The majority of that time was in Fairfax County. She loved her young students and was thrilled by their enthusiasm and achievements.

In 1950, Maudie married William Foster, and they bought a home in a new development in Vienna. She delighted in her home on Holmes Drive and enjoyed living there until her death.

Maudie and William had a son, John Beckham, and she added the role of Omotherm to her resumé – a role she cherished. Her life was busy and happy!

Over the years Maudie made many, many friends, and she treasured those friendships. The Newcomers Club and her bridge groups were favorites.

Maudie combined her interests in friendship, history and travel when she became a member of The Shillelagh Travel Club. With the Shillelaghs she traveled extensively – even going to Russia at a time when not many chose to explore that country. Russia fascinated her – the history, the art, the culture. She also especially enjoyed Egypt.

Maudie was an amazingly talented quilter and created many magnificent quilts sewn entirely by hand with microscopic stitches. The quilts are truly works of art and have become family heirlooms.

Maudie’s physician of many years, Dr. Thomas Graziano, was not only her doctor, but also one of her most beloved friends. It is thanks to his wonderful care and support that she enjoyed such a long life.

Maudie was a loving and beloved, beautiful, talented, fun lady who lived her life to the fullest. We miss you, dearest Maudie!

Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, October 7, at 11 a.m. at the Westview Cemetery.

The family would like to suggest donations be made in Maudie’s memory to Capital Caring Hospice, 2900 Telstar Court, Falls Church, VA 22042.

Shorter Funeral Home, Farmville, is in charge of arrangements.

www.shorterfuneralhome.com