Donor Stories-Fostel

Monter Cancer Center Gift Celebrates Life

Carolyn Fostel shared her joy of life with others. Although she ultimately lost her 10-year battle with a rare blood cancer, she continued her lifetime commitment to non-profit endeavors by including gifts in her will to improve the lives of others.

Carolyn’s generous bequest benefits the Monter Cancer Center, a major clinical care center of the Northwell Health Cancer Institute. It reflects her gratitude for the care she received throughout her treatments as well as during her stay at the Palliative Care Unit at North Shore University Hospital. Her will also benefitted educational institutions, libraries, religious institutions, the Interfaith Nutrition Network (INN) and Christ the King High School, where she established a scholarship fund.

North Shore University Hospital's 35th Anniversary Celebrate Life quilt project.

Carolyn was a graduate of Fordham University and St. John’s University. After graduating, she taught elementary school and was an adjunct professor of English. Later, she was an assistant vice president community relations marketing manager at Astoria Federal Savings, founding Astoria’s “Kids Tools for School” program that provides supplies to disadvantaged Long Island children.

Carolyn was also a fundraiser for North Shore University Hospital, channeling her energy to enable the hospital to provide quality services to a broad range of individuals. She took particular pride in co-creating the 35th Anniversary Celebrate Life quilt project.

Carolyn enjoyed reading, traveling, the arts, and arranging flowers. She was an antique and memorabilia collector who was known for her wedding cake topper collection, and she wrote about Victorian-era subjects.

Carolyn’s legacy of improving others’ lives will live on through her thoughtful final gifts. What will your legacy be?