Hazel Foster

Hazel Vivian Foster, 97, of Westfield, was born Wednesday, July 27, 1910 in Indianapolis, Indiana. She departed this world to be with the Lord, Wednesday, April 30, 2008 in Westfield near Carmel, Indiana where she had resided since 1946. She was born to Walter and Nellie (Keeley) Washburn. Both parents performed in Vaudeville. Hazel inadvertently joined her parents in an act on the Vaudeville stage at age three in 1913, after which she remained in the act until her parents? retirement from Vaudeville in 1915. Her parents then operated a confectionary store in New Bethel until the start of WW1. In 1918, she moved to Indianapolis, where she lived until after WWII, when she then moved to Carmel. She was the devoted widow of John Earl Foster II (B1910), who preceded her in death in 1980. She married in 1935, and was the beloved mother of Stephen Earl Foster (Marina), Richard Kent Foster, and Elaine Sue Foster Caughman (Jim). She retired from the Payroll Department of Allison Division of GMC in 1972. She worked as a comptometer operator since 1925, beginning at Real Silk where she was employed during WWII. She was a member of St. Christopher?s Episcopal Church in Carmel,...[more]

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nging in the choir and serving on various committees. She graciously served her fellowman in volunteer work including Meals on Wheel, food and clothing banks, visiting the sick, and voluntarily performed regularly as a pianist for several local nursing home residences; she continued playing at Maple Park Village until her death. She was an accomplished painter and artist in all media, oils, to water-colors. As a gifted pianist and composer, she wrote several songs during the WWII years, during which she was an acquaintance of song writer Hoagie Carmichael. In addition, she wrote poetry and performed in the Old Schoolhouse Players. She was loved by all that knew her and will be deeply missed by her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and her many friends who were touched by her life. A committal service will be held on Friday, May 2, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. in Washington Park North Cemetery. You are invited to visit www.leppertmortuary.com where you may share a memory, sign the guest book or make a memorial contribution to the Humane Society for Hamilton County. For more information on Hazel?s extraordinary and blessed life, view hwf.beamsco.com. Arrangements entrusted to Leppert Mortuary, Smith Carmel Chapel.