Julia Landmark Foster

A life filled with the joy of music came to and end on July 4th with fireworks to mark the occasion.   At age 5 Julia discovered she could play music by ear.   Formal training began in sixth grade.   Majoring in music at Milwaukee State Teachers College she transferred to UW Madison in 1936.   During college she was on WHA Radio several times a week.   She traveled to rural one room schools inspiring the love of music in children.   1941 found her marrying Ambrose Landmark (""He was kind to everyone"").   Together they raised four girls and two boys, resulting in twelve grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.   From 1942 to 1944 she served as a civilian instructor of morse code for the US Air Force.   She taught at the Oregon School for Girls, later called Oakhill, from 1944 to retirement.   Her classes placed high or highest in many music competitions.   In 1947 Julia was one of the first singers with the newly formed Philharmonic Chorus of Madison.   She served as accompanist for 56 years.   Upon retiring the chorus formed a scholarship in her honor, and May 4, 2003 was proclaimed Julia Landmark Foster Day by the mayor.   Ambrose Landmark died in 1967 and two decades later she married Robert M. Foster.   They enjoyed 12 years together traveling and hosting some memorable parties.   In later years Independent Living, Segoe Gardens, and HospiceCare provided Julia a life of comfort and dignity.   They are angels among us.   Sharing the gift of music she saw the world, was at countless church and synagogue services and always flashing that smile.   That first song that Julia played by ear she heard in kindergarten.   It was called ""The Goodbye Song.""   Please join us at 2:00 pm August 5th at HospiceCare,   5395 E. Cheryl Pkwy.,   Fitchburg, WI,  to say goodbye........there will be music.