Carolyn Foster, 73, of Wilmington, passed away peacefully at home on the evening of July 9, 2025.
Born on August 24, 1951, in Dearborn, Michigan, to Alice and Ronald Maclean, Carolyn was a “surprise” twin and the youngest of four children. She is survived by her twin sister, Marilyn; her sister, Patricia; and her brother, Ralph.
She met her husband, Curtis Foster, while attending the University of Delaware—on a night out at the Stone Balloon. After marrying Curtis, they spent a decade living throughout New England, where she worked in residential life at Dartmouth College (with the secondary job of trying to keep Curt out of trouble). In 1981, they settled in Wilmington, and Carolyn went on to enjoy a 34-year career in Data Management at AstraZeneca, retiring with distinction in 2012.
Carolyn was devoted to her family—she and Curtis had just celebrated 52 years of marriage—and took great pride in her two children, Michael Foster (Daniel Attaway) and Katie Fears (Ryan Fears), as well as her grandchildren, Madison and Bradyn Fears. She was a talented crafter, making mementos and keepsakes cherished by those she loved.
Throughout her life, Carolyn was committed to advancing civil rights, even recently participating (with her husband and son) in her first protest rally and march.
Her laugh was contagious and always at the ready, and she had a gift for making those around her feel loved and welcome—whether through a kind word or a plate of brownies—no matter their background. She always put others before herself.
A private funeral service will be held on July 22, 2025. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to honor Carolyn’s memory to Planned Parenthood of Delaware.
