Vivienne "Nana" L. Foster-Erlandson

Mrs. Vivienne Lois Foster-Erlandson “Nana”  98, lifelong resident of Marlborough, died peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Nana was born in Marlborough, MA, in 1924, daughter of the late George A. and Anna Walker.  She was predeceased by her husband Hilding “Rudy” R. Erlandson in 2010 and by her beloved brother and childhood dance partner, Eddie Humphrey in 1966.

Nana enjoyed a long life and saw the world change and grow in so many ways, from horse drawn trolleys to cars, trains and technology.  She worked a wide variety of jobs in her lifetime, mastering them all, including working as a licensed machinist/lathe grinder at Lombard Governor in Ashland, MA during the war in the 1940’s, to being a registered Head Nurse at the VA in West Roxbury.  She excelled at everything she attempted, graduating with high honors from all of her schooling at Marlborough High School, Harlem Hospital Nursing School, and Boston College.  She was the first woman of color at many things locally, most importantly working in the operation room of Marlborough Hospital.

Nana was a self-declared homebody who loved to tinker in her gardens, kitchen and home.  However, she and Rudy, a skilled mechanic and jack-of-all trades, also enjoyed their camping trips in their 1973 VW  Westfalia Bus with the Buses by the Buoy club.  Together, they were a force to be reckoned with, loving every moment of life to its fullest, making memories, sharing laughter and spending time with their family.

Nana was a strong, loving matriarch of our family who will influence our lives for generations to come.  She is survived by many loving family members, including her daughter, Michele Foster, and son-in-law Michael Yeong, her beloved grandson Toure Foster and his wife Amy Foster, as well as Gerry and Selma Erlandson, Rodney and Marsha Erlandson, and  Eddie and Ellie Erlandson, and many wonderful and loving great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours for Nana will be held on Friday, May 5, 2023 from 10:00 -12:00 followed by a Funeral Service at 12:00 in the Short & Rowe Funeral Home, 95 W. Main St., Marlborough, MA.  Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, Wilson St., where she will be laid to rest with her husband, Rudy.  Nana always said “flowers are for the living”, so in leu of flowers, donations are welcome to be made to Hospice, VNA Care at vnacare.org/donors/ways-to-give/make-a-donation.  

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