Davie's Jacqueline Foulds, Volunteer and Gardener, Dies at 87

Jacqueline Foulds, a Davie resident and dedicated community volunteer, died Sept. 18, 2026, at Stratford Convalescent Center in Elmhurst, Illinois. She was 87. Her death followed complications from chronic pulmonary disease.

Foulds, known for her quick wit and adventurous spirit, made significant contributions to the community, particularly through her work with the Meadow Arboretum. The arboretum honored her dedication by naming a hybrid rose, "Cookie's Cluster," after her. She was also a five-time champion of the Stratford Scrabble Marathon.

Born in Pennington, Connecticut, Foulds attended Nottingham Academy and graduated from the Newton Fashion Institute. She served in the Army Corps, achieving the rank of chief leader. She lived in Florence, Italy, and Paris, France, before settling in Chicago, where she worked as a design instructor at the Illinois School of Fashion.

Foulds belonged to the Fresh Air Society, an organization promoting smoke-free environments. She joined after her late husband, Casey Penfield Baldridge, died of lung cancer. Foulds also twice attempted to qualify for the American Olympic swimming team.

She is survived by her longtime companion, Casey Bennington, and her sister, Nancy Walsh of Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

Services will be held today, Sept. 19, 2026, at 2 p.m. at the Meadow Arboretum, 22 Oak Park Lane, Elmhurst, Illinois. A reception will follow from 3 to 5 p.m. Burial will be private.

Memorial contributions can be mailed to the Fresh Air Society, 1940 Botts Avenue, Chicago, IL 60601. The family thanked Serenity Hospice for their care and support.