Eileen Catherine Foster, a lifelong resident of Madera, California, passed away peacefully on Sept. 4, 2026, at the age of 98. A devoted Catholic and beloved matriarch of her family, Eileen lived a beautiful life centered around faith, family, tradition, and love.
Eileen was born on April 2, 1928, in Madera to Frank and Columba Brunolli. She attended Saint Joachim’s Elementary School and Madera High School before continuing her education at a business trade school.
On Feb. 10, 1952, Eileen married the love of her life, Joe Foster Jr., at Saint Joachim’s Catholic Church. Her love and devotion to Joe remained steadfast throughout their marriage, and in his later years, she became his primary caregiver, lovingly caring for him until the day he was called home.
Eileen began her career as a receptionist at Dearborn Hospital in Madera and spent many years working in the medical field. In the 1980s, she embarked on a special adventure when she opened a children’s clothing store in Chowchilla called The Lollipop Tree. The store became a family affair, with her grandchildren serving as her models. She later returned to the medical field, where she worked until retiring in the late 1990s.
Above all else, Eileen treasured her family. She especially cherished time spent with her siblings and was known for bringing everyone together, including organizing family reunions. As the last of nine siblings to enter Heaven, her passing marks the end of a special generation of the Brunolli family.
Eileen loved to cook, and her Italian dishes — especially her homemade ravioli — will forever be part of her family’s memories. Her grandchildren will always remember holidays at Nonie’s, particularly Christmas and Easter, filled with family, food, traditions, and love.
Her Catholic faith was the foundation of her life. She was involved with the Young Ladies Institute (YLI) and the Italian Catholic Federation (ICF) and lived her faith through the love and care she gave so freely to others.
Eileen was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Columba Brunolli; her beloved husband, Joe Foster Jr.; her children, Mark Foster and Barbara Beltran; her sons-in-law, Mark Gurrola and John Gustafson; and her eight siblings.
She is survived by her daughters, Debbie Gustafson of Clovis and Margie Gurrola of Madera; her son, David “Smokey” Rickerd and his wife, Becky, of Loma, Colorado; and her daughter-in-law, Jeanne Foster of Chowchilla; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren who were blessed to call her Nonie.
To her family, Eileen was the rock — the one who brought everyone together and took care of those she loved for as long as she was able. Her family finds comfort knowing she has been reunited in Heaven with so many she loved.
Her legacy will live on in the faith she shared, the family traditions she created, the recipes passed down through generations, and the countless memories made around her table.
Nonie was deeply loved, and she will be deeply missed.
Eileen’s family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Madera Care Center on Howard Road for the exceptional care, kindness, and compassion they provided to her. We are especially grateful for the loving nurses who cared for Nonie and remained by her side until she took her last breath. After a lifetime spent caring for others, it brings her family great comfort to know that in her final days, she too was surrounded by such tenderness and care.
Funeral Services:
Visitation will be held on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, from 3 to 6 p.m. at Jay Chapel in Madera, California.
A Rosary will be held on Friday, Sept. 25, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Saint Joachim’s Catholic Church in Madera, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30.
Burial will immediately follow the Mass at Calvary Cemetery in Madera, where Eileen will be laid to rest.