Fay Marie Kolster (nee LaBracke)

We've all lost a real gem of a person in Fay's passing but I will always be thankful for the gift of her presence in my life. She was an incredibly strong influence during my years in the Annunciation Youth Group and the bonds that were built between her family, our family and the Kanavas family have been lifelong. Whenever I've seen her infrequently over the last 40 years, she *always* stopped to share some time with me and it was like I had just seen her yesterday. Fay was steadfast in her faith and always maintained a positive, upbeat world view regardless of what was happening around her; she had the calmness of a saint, the patience of a teacher and the heart of a Mother who loved all children. For me to call her a role model would be an understatement; she was the gold standard. I'll never forget the calmness with which she engaged me and my friends -- often as knucklehead teenage boys -- and she always offered a wry smile whenever we would try to avoid conversations that required reflection, introspection and communication. (Anyone who remembers the original 'rap sessions' will know what I'm talking about.) Perhaps it was the fact that she raised her own boys but she *never* lost her patience or temper with us; that grace has stayed with me during my entire life because of the way it made me feel loved and cared for regardless of what was happening. I treasure the fact that Fay was a rock in the foundation of so many lives, mine included. She will be missed and never forgotten by those of us who knew her as we will hopefully pass along her essence for generations to come. May her memory be eternal! All my thoughts and prayers go out to Joel, Jonathan, Justin and your families. Thank you for sharing your Mom with all of us. Kiss your people! XOXOXO Jeff and family

Fay was so dear to me and so many others. She truly lived her faith through her kindness and everyday deeds. She always reminded me how grateful she was for everyday. What a blessing! It would take a book to describe her many contributions to her family, church, friends and community. May her memory be eternal. With much love to the family and her memory. Sandy

I was 17 years old walking to lunch at our church, summer camp. Something told me that I was to pursue being an actor. It was such an outrageous thought, there was no one to really talk to about it.... except Fay. I new she would listen. So, on our walk, I told her this is what I think God wants me to do with my life. She laughed at first and then saw I was serious and said, "Let's pray." And we did. She said to God, "If this is what you want for Bob's life, clear a path for him." 40 years later, after a premiere screening of Faith, Hope and Love, I asked Fay if she remembered that moment and she said, "Like it was yesterday." Through the years we would occasionally connect and end up talking about scripture. I remember working as a busboy at a Women's Aglow lunch and I saw her there. As I watched her, I thought - I want to be like her some day. That's the type of person, the type of Christian I want to be like. May her memory be eternal. And... thank you Fay for your prayer(s).

Dear Fay’s unique and beautiful soul will hold a special place in my heart and memory for the rest of my life. From her calming and guiding role in the church youth group during my adolescence, to a sensitive personally-guided visit that she gave of the building just a few years ago, her will, humor and kindness were to me as inspirational as they were comfortable and enjoyable to be around. 

 My condolences to the Kolster family for their loss; Fay will be remembered and missed.

Fay Kolster was an incredible teacher and friend. Such a positive influence on my life. May she rest in peace. Much love, Angela ❤🙏🏽

What a great light she was to this world. Condolences and many blessings to the family.

To Faye, a lady whose optimism and kindness saw me through some of the lowest points of my life, eternal gratitude and love. Our sincerest condolences to all of the family. Her memory be will eternal.

With our deepest sympathy.May her memory be eternal.🙏

Fay became my Godmother more than 45 years ago. A prayer partner. Friend. Mentor. Few women have as quietly and passionately devoted their life to birthing, teaching, counseling, and loving countless people as she. A devoted friend to her neighbors at her Milwaukee and lake homes. Truly a woman of God and an unwavering supporter of Annunciation Orthodox Church; along with her husband Tom. I already miss you - terribly.

Words cannot express, so even as a journalist I will not even try. Dance with the angels and all you love dear faithful servant.

Sorry for your loss, we got to know Faye in the 1980s when we had our two in youth group.

I am so sorry to learn of Fay's passing. She was the epitome of a true light. She always shared words of encouragement, always had a smile and exuded kindness. A true matriarch. She will be deeply missed by all of us yet welcomed with open arms and joy in heaven. May her memory be eternal.

My deepest sympathies to the Kolster family. Your mom was a special person that helped everyone. God and Church were imbedded in her heart. She loved her family and mentioned them often. May her memory be eternal.

Fay was always so kind to us, and to all. Very welcoming to new comers. Always worked so hard for the church. Rest in peace. Sharon Mahos

Our deepest sympathies to the Kolster family. Our hearts are broken and we’ll miss Faye .She was an amazing warm and caring friend who always had a smile on her face and was so interesting to talk to. When we would walk our dog Harley,she always had a doggie treat for him. She touched our lives in many ways and will always be in our hearts. Rest In Peace dear Faye❤️

Jonathan , Joel, and Justin , there are no words to describe how much your Mom meant to me. I move to wedgewood park 2004 and recently moved away one year ago and telling Fay on 10/14/21 I had to move before you made your permanent move to eternal life . Your Mom and I spent many hours talking and solving the worlds problems and then always realizing we were just making a difference doing what we did best “prayed “ about “it”. Fay taught me so many things and I believe I taught her a few too. She told me awhile back when Tom left this earth that she does not cry , well Fay I am trying not to cry over you leaving this earth and in time I will be okay. You have slid in to your Lords arms and He is so proud of all you have done . There is too much to list . You were my second Mom , since my Mom was a few hours away , and sometimes it’s easier to hear things from a friend than your Mom. You helped me through cancer, divorce , losing my sister Dawne and relocated to my new home , those were the major things . You loved your family so much ! But you considered all of us your family. You had no negative thoughts ever and you always knew things were going to be okay! I am so happy we were family for 17 yrs and still are . You have definitely changed my life for the better and I promise to keep what you have taught me alive . Also thank you for introducing me to your wonderful Aglow Ladies , I was not able to attend many meetings due to working but I knew they were always praying for all and wrote amazing books . Thank you Aglow ladies . To the whole Kolster family , you have been a part of my life because of your Mom or Ya ya . I loved meeting all of you and spending time with you throughout the years . Praying for you during this time . I know FAy would not want us to mourn but be happy she had finally made it to her eternal home back with Tom and her parents . Love to you all from the south, Connie , Chase and Bo

Fay was one of the most influential people I know who could speak about the Trinity and our Orthodox Faith in a way that was not merely academic but was based on her experience as a follower of Christ. She will be truly missed.

My God rest her soul. She worked hard and has down left us, she is walking the blessed road to the church in heaven. May her memory be eternal.

Fay was a one of a kind woman of God. I loved her enthusiasm and optimism about everything. She was the epitome of a woman of faith, integrity and grace. I will miss her cooking, her blessings and well wishes, and her excitement over children and family. She will be missed on earth and celebrated in heaven. I can see her smiling as she sits with our Father, where she always looked forward to being. Rest in peace and happiness Aunt Fay and say Hi to everyone 💛

Fay, you will be so missed. The beauty of your soul will be forever treasured in or hearts.

My deepest condolences and sympathy to John, Joel and Justin as well as the countless many blessed to love and have been loved by Fay. This is what I shared on Facebook about my dear sweet friend. An incredible friend and my dearest neighbor Fay went home to heaven earlier this week. I hold her close in my heart. To say she was an exceptional lady is a gross understatement and I will miss her so very much. Fay became our neighbor and became an almost daily part of our life when we bought our home 15 years ago. You couldn’t dream up a better neighbor or friend than Fay. From our first meeting at our home inspection to my very last she was there for me in every way possible and I felt honored to be a part of her life and to call her my friend and to be there for her. We prayed together frequently, had countless conversations in which she would impart her wisdom to me and I never doubted her love for me. I love and cherish her so very much. She became family. The family you choose and I was deeply blessed to be chosen by such an exceptional lady. She was always there with kind words, a true love and the greatest wisdom and support. I can’t believe I won’t share time with her again this side of heaven. I treasured and will continue to treasure every moment I spent with her. She went out of her way to know us and to do kind things for us and I was so happy to return the favor. Fay loved her Lord and served Him continuously in countless ways. She was very involved in our neighborhood and her church. At 90 years of wisdom she could run circles around me. She was so proud and happy when she celebrated her 90th birthday earlier this year. Her love and kindness were a shining example to all who meet her. She touched people’s lives profoundly and deeply. She was feisty and strong and loving and kind and fun and she had the deepest faith of anyone I’ve ever meet. She LOVED her family and her greatest treasures were her Lord, her family and her countless friends. I will miss my dear friend but celebrate her home going to be with her Tom and her Jesus. Looking forward to our next tea time- I love you Fay. On her birthday she gave out cards. I’m going to share this treasure with you in the pictures. You did I deep skid in sideways praising your Lord. Well done good and faithful servant!! https://krausefuneralhome.com/obituary/fay-marie-kolster-nee-labracke/

Fay, You were one in a billion. For many years you were the spiritual matriarch of the Annunciation community, reaching out to so many people and helping them find their way. Never did II hear you say a disparaging thing about anyone. Instead, you tried to find the goodness in all of us. You were a true example of what a Christian woman should be. I will miss our humorous little byplay when we would see each other. May your soul rest in eternal peace and may your memory be everlasting. Dennis

Faye was my nursery school teacher in our small neighborhood on Georgia Avenue. She was a Godly woman, as well as a long-time patient later in life. The consolation is that we all know where she is spending Eternity.

Auntie Fay: You have been a treasured member of our family for over 50 years - Koumbara to my parents and honorary Godmother to us all. We adored you. Thank you for your tremendous faith, quiet dignity, strength, courage. and loyal friendship. We adored you. ❤️

Fotini, you will be so dearly missed. I am blessed that I was able to become part of your family in these last years! Rest with the Lord!

We have lost an amazing, funny, dear friend of God and of so many. I already miss Fay but am getting used to her new presence in my life. Love and prayer for her family and my friends in the OCWA.

Fay was a special loving lady A friend to all the youth A very good friend that will be missed say hi to Tom keep a warm chair will be joining you all some day. Love ya Fotani

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.