Mary Deni Foster

December 27, 1931-April 18, 2025

She loved her family, her friends, and the world. 

Mary Luellen (Denzine) Foster - Deni, 93, died peacefully in Tucson, Arizona on April 18, 2025 after a full life centered around music, family, and community.

Deni was born in Springfield, Minnesota on December 27, 1931 to Viola Luellen (Turvold) Denzine and Carl Gustaf Denzine. She began playing music at a young age and became the accompanist for the Springfield High School Chorus when she was just 10 years old. She later picked up the flute, played both instruments through high school, and eventually received a college double major in flute and piano.

Deni began giving flute lessons while still in high school. She and Chrissy Manderfeld, one of Deni’s flute disciples, continued playing flute and piano duets throughout their lifelong friendship.

Deni regularly visited her hometown of Springfield, stayed in contact with her former classmates, and helped organize high school reunions. She also kept in touch with her Oberlin College roommates who got together as a foursome every year at a different location.

After completing a master degree in music education, Deni taught public school music in Maryland.

Deni had a deep love of music. She sang in and led a madrigal group, accompanied students and choirs at festivals, and brought people together through performance. A generous and spirited host, she was known for her dinner parties and joyful gatherings. Her living room served as a stage for intimate chamber music concerts and the annual holiday Carol Sing. 

Deni, an avid reader who always had a book in her purse, co-led and was a founder of a women’s book group, Sanga, for over 60 years. 

A gravestone marker in Deni’s honor is placed at the foot of her parents’ graves in Springfield Cemetery, Springfield, Minnesota.