Regina Inese Foster (Babins) passed away at the age of 81, on November 12, 2021, at home surrounded by her loving family. Regina was born in Rezekne, Latvia on November 4, 1940, to Antons and Filimonija Babins. She was preceded in death by her parents Antons and Filimonija (Visockis)Babins, her Oma Eleonora (Arbidans) Visockis, brother John Babins and nephew James Kornoelje.
She is survived by her four children, Elizabeth (Dan) Sexton, Victoria (James) Davis, Stephen Foster and Juliana (John) Peer. Her fourteen grandchildren Melissa (Jeff) Halverson, Jessica (Jeff) Chamberlain, Lauren (Steven) Siler, Tyler Beer, Ryan Sexton, Monica (Eric) Brown, Kristina (Brent) Bruggink, Curtis (Michell) Foster, Brandon (Marc) Foster, Nicholas (Caitlin) Taylor, Zachary Taylor, Caitlyn Peer, Adam (Sierra) Peer, and Jacob Hacker. Her five siblings (Sylvia, Toni, Mary, George, and Kathy), sister in law (Terry), twenty great-grandchildren, many nieces, and nephews.
Regina was a fierce, loving woman who always held her family and friends close to her heart. She loved Latvia, lavender, sunflowers, butterflies, books, Lake Michigan, garlic, rocks, and Mackinaw Island.
Regina came to America from Latvia via Germany Displaced Persons Camp, in 1951 on the General C.H. Muir. Through Ellis Island, with her dad, mother, Oma, brother, John and sister, Sylvia, they moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan. Their family eventually welcomed four more siblings. She attended Catholic Central High School. She worked at Loveland's drug store in the 1950's. In 1959, she moved to California for a brief time but returned to Michigan to start her family.
She lived in Wyoming, Grand Rapids, Lake City, Green Lake, Middleville and Allendale, Michigan. She loved to travel and vacation with her family all over the United States. One of her favorite trips was going to Latvia with her daughter, Victoria, sister, Toni and brother-in-law, Randy. She loved her annual girls' trips with her daughters and granddaughters. She loved every holiday gathering with her family surrounding her. She loved to celebrate everyone's birthdays, always trying to make them special for her family. The last few years, she loved having family reunions with her siblings and their families.
She taught everyone that family comes first, hard work, traditions and love were the most important things in life. Her favorite work family was her Godfrey Lee ladies, they embraced her into their culture and families. She retired from Kmart after 25 years and retired from Subway after 10 years.
Her love of books was passed on to all her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was known to go to the library from the time she was a young girl until weeks before her death. Her family asks for donations for Allendale Township Library via mail at 6175 Library Ln, Allendale, MI 49401.
The family would like to thank Veterans Connected for all their support and help in her final weeks. Any donations in her name could be given to them via their website, http://veteransconnected.org
A memorial for Regina will be held at Hager Park DeVries Room, 8212 28th Ave, Georgetown Twp, MI 49428 on Friday, December 3. Visitation with the family from 1-4, meal from 4-5 which will be provided and a service held after. We will offer time for anyone who like to share a story, song or memory during the service. It was Regina's request that no one wears black and the family suggested purple or bright colors. The family also states that Regina had a love of flowers and plants, she preferred them not to be cut. The family asks that you honor her wishes. Service Details. Online Memory & Photo Sharing Event Ongoing Online Event About this event In Loving Memory Of Regina Foster November 4, 1940 - November 12, 2021 Look inside to read what others have shared Family and friends are coming together online to create a special keepsake. Every memory left on the online obituary will be automatically included in this book. View Tribute Book