Shirley J. Foster, age 77 of Lincoln, passed away November 18, 2019. She was raised in Lincoln and attended school at Clinton Elementary, Whittier Jr. High, and Lincoln High School, where comments on report cards included, "Shirley was very chatty." Her passion for nursing and health care began with the Pre-Nursing Program at UNL, and she completed her Bachelor of Science degree at UNMC. It was during that time in Omaha where she was swept off her ice skates by Charlie Foster with his southern accent asking, "Yall want to skate?" They were engaged six weeks later. Shirley and Chuck are an example of a rare kind of love lasting over 56 years. Shirley was the matriarch of the Foster family which included her 3 daughters; Michele, Melissa and Meredith followed by their husbands; Dave, Karl and Christian, who added 10 grandchildren; Jim (Taylor), Zachary (Brandi), Gabrielle, Olivia (Jada), Alex, Joslin, Chloe, Maggie, Campbell, and topped off by 3 great grandchildren; Reid, Penelope, Rogan. Family was Shirleys joy and priority. She was available at a moments notice to help out any of them and usually knew when support was needed before they did. Family vacations when her children were little included visits to Chadron and Ponca State Parks, annual trips to Worlds of Fun, and one failed camping trip. Shirleys favorite moments were family reunions, entertaining, and planning for the next holiday. She loved to read, cook, shop and decorate. Spending time with friends brought her great joy and she saw these special people on a weekly basis. Shirley had style and taste that was second to none. She could envision complete looks and designs based on one silver ball or a fantastic pair of shoes. She was the MacGyver of style and could create a gorgeous centerpiece using a twig, four berries, ribbon and a yellow button. Shirley had a strong impact on many nurses, families, and programs in her nursing and administrative career. Her adult career included serving Lincoln General Hospital, followed by Madonna Rehab hospital, where she opened The Arbors and several other units, plus her post-retirement job at Clinic with a Heart. She had a passion for what is right in health care, valued patients and care providers, and had high expectations for all. Even in her last week of life, she talked with every nurse or therapist she met about their education, training and future plans. She made note of her exceptional nursing staff and therapists to be certain they will be recognized in the weeks to come. Shirley was smart. She was kind and she was beautiful. She was also opinionated, persistent, and demanded excellence. She was generous with her time and talents, classy and current. She has left an impact on many and her legacy will live on. Please join us to celebrate that legacy at a Memorial Service, 3 pm Saturday, November 23rd, at First-Plymouth Church, 2000 D Street. In honor of Shirley, please wear bright colors and accessorize. Memorials, in lieu of flowers, may go to Madonna Rehab Hospital or Clinic with a Heart.