Maydelle Foster Fason, a woman whose wide-ranging and unconventional passions straddled environmentalism, the perfect pie crust, tap dancing and Buddhism, died at 87 on January 26th. Her subtle—and lifelong—resistance to conformity served her well in creating a life full of adventure, purpose and great fun.
Maydelle was born in 1938, grew up in San Antonio, Texas, and was the valedictorian of Alamo Heights High school in 1956. At the University of Texas, she graduated at the top of her class as the sole female chemistry major in 1960. It was a time in which it was quite possible to be deemed “too smart” to find a husband; however, she met a man who was smitten by that incomparable wit and intelligence, as well as her elegance and beauty. Sam Fason married Maydelle and the two remained in love and best friends for more than 60 years.
Continuing to be a woman full of contradictions, in 1962, Maydelle was celebrated as Queen of Fiesta in San Antonio, while simultaneously working as a medical researcher. Soon after, as newly-weds, the two managed to secure a much desired military posting in Japan. It was here, for 3 years, that Sam and Maydelle cemented their devotion to travel, studying and absorbing other cultures, languages and lands. Maydelle taught English to high school students while in Japan (not only the tallest but still the only woman), earned a much revered flower-arranging certificate, learned Japanese and had her first child. The love of travel with Sam continued for the rest of their life together. The two hiked through jungles, rode bikes, watched birds, explored remote villages, slept in tents, boats and rented houses and strolled the world’s great cities. Perhaps most importantly, they ate delicious food all over the globe.
The love of wonderful food continued at home in Austin where Maydelle was well known for her dinner parties and particularly her excellent desserts; In the 1970’s the Austin American Statesman called her “The Dessert Queen of Austin.” Anyone who knew Maydelle was most likely the recipient of some of her famous recipes: toffee, floating island, buttermilk cake and girdle buster pie to name a few.
In 1978 Maydelle started an employment program at the Austin Women’s Center designed to assist women re-entering the work force. She worked tirelessly as a career counselor for 25 years, determined to share a different message about women and work, advocating for flexible hours, non-traditional jobs and pay equity. In recognition of her work she was appointed to the Governors Commission of Women and Leadership Austin.
Due to Maydelle’s love and wonder at science, nature, and travel it is no surprise that she became, as early as the mid 70’s, a “rabid and obsessive” environmentalist and recycler. She felt a spiritual connection to nature and a determination to fight for its protection. She was on the board of the Bamberger Ranch Preserve and was appointed to the Solid Waste Advisory Commission, becoming instrumental in pushing through the Zero Waste Initiative in Austin.
Maydelle’s wit, her love for stories, poetry, words and grammar were unparalleled. She could quote Emily Dickinson at the drop of a hat and woe to him/her who erred grammatically in her presence. But without a doubt the great loves of her life were her devoted husband, Sam, her two children, Drake and Maydelle, their spouses Kristin and Daniel, her 5 grandchildren, Sam, Claire, Kate, Sylvie, Vaughan, and her legions of friends of all ages, harkening from every corner of the world. She is predeceased by her parents Maydelle Vaughan Foster and Ben Foster and survived by her much adored younger brother, Ben Foster Jr.
Maydelle left scads of writing behind, among them a short essay on Einstein; “I have always been crazy about the guy,” and included a quote that would serve as a guiding principle for her life. “The most beautiful emotion we can experience is the mysterious. It is the fundamental emotion that stands at the cradle of all true art and science. He to whom this emotion is a stranger, who can no longer wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead, a snuffed out candle.” Waxing equally philosophically, she was also keen on the phrase, “Life is just too short not to eat dessert.”
In lieu of flowers her family requests that any donations be sent to The Nature Conservancy, The Wildflower Center, Planned Parenthood or Literacy First. A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at a future date.
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