Cooking was her way of showing and sharing her love
MELROSE — Julie (El-Hajj) Foster, 97 of Melrose died peacefully on January 11 following a period of declining health. She was born in Mashghara, Lebanon on August 19, 1927, the daughter of the late Helwe “Julie” El-Hajj and Hanna “John” El-Hajj.
Julie mastered the art of cooking and her Lebanese sweets and dishes were loved by all who knew her. She loved to cook for family and friends and would always say cooking was her way of showing and sharing her love.
Julie was the matriarch of the family who would do everything and anything for her husband, children and grandchildren. She was affectionately known as “Tayta” by her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She loved telling stories of her days traveling the world and of growing up in Lebanon. Julie took great pride in the accomplishments of all of her children and grandchildren and never missed an opportunity to share her pride with others.
Julie was the beloved wife of the late Adam Foster of Melrose. She was the loving mother of David Foster and Martha Callery of Stoneham; Julie (Foster) Cronin and her husband Kevin Cronin of Melrose; and Charles Foster of Stoneham. She was the cherished grandmother of Kerrianne (Cronin) Pippy and her husband Andrew of Melrose; Amanda (Cronin) McKenney and her husband Keith of Middleton; Johnathan Cronin and his wife Lindsay of Georgetown; Kara Cronin of Melrose; and Isabella Foster of Stoneham, Beloved great grandmother of Liam and Rory Pippy of Melrose and Grace, Logan and Julian McKenney of Middleton. She was the loving sister of 12 siblings and is survived by many relatives and friends who impacted her life over the years.
Family and friends were respectfully invited to attend services. Visitation was held on Friday, January 17 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. in the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at St Mary’s Church, 4 Herbert St. Interment followed at Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 38105. To sign online condolence, visit gatelyfh.com.