Carolyn Fostel, 62, of Oyster Bay, passed away peacefully on Dec. 15, 2011 of complications from a rare blood disorder.
A former assistant vice president community relations marketing manager at Astoria Federal Savings, she was admired by not-for-profit leaders throughout Long Island and the metropolitan area for her leadership, guidance, support and endless efforts to foster networking and collaborations. She was the founder of Astoria Federal’s “Kids Tools for School” program. Now in its twelfth year, it provided school supplies to thousands of disadvantaged Long Island schoolchildren each fall.
Ms. Fostel earned her undergraduate degree in English from Fordham University and her master’s in education from St. John’s University. During the early years of her career she taught elementary school and was an adjunct professor of English at St. John’s University. She was also an associate director of the university’s annual giving program and past president of its Alumnae Association. Following this, she was director of development for the C.W. Post campus of Long Island University and was a development officer for North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset. She co-created North Shore’s 35th Anniversary “Celebrate Life” quilt project.
A former trustee and member of the Executive Committee of The Heckscher Museum of Art in Huntington, Ms. Fostel’s articles about antiques and collectibles appeared in numerous national publications and she was a guest on the Food Network.
She is survived by her mother, Lucille Fostel. Funeral Mass was held at the Church of St. Dominic. Burial at St. John’s Cemetery, Middle Village. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the Francis P. DeVine Funeral Home, Oyster Bay.
