Patricia Foster

Patricia Marion “Pat” Foster, of Bainbridge Island, died peacefully at home on July 29 after a long illness, surrounded by her family.

She was born in 1924 to Walter Reginald Brook Oliver and Isabella Anne Oliver in Seatoun, a suburb of Wellington, N.Z. She received her teacher’s training certificate and taught primary school, then later worked as a photogrammetrist, a job which she particularly loved.

She married Paul Saxon Alexander Foster in 1949; they immigrated to the United States in 1951, becoming naturalized citizens in 1957.

They lived in New Jersey for one year, then in Seattle, settling in 1960 on Bainbridge Island, where they put down roots and raised their five children.

She loved gardening, sailing, camping, knitting and music. She was accomplished at the piano, the baroque recorder and composing, and instilled a love of music in her children. She was a deacon at Rolling Bay Presbyterian Church, coordinating ushers and organizing the flowers for many faithful years.

She and her husband, Paul, also volunteered at Helpline House during their retirement years. She’ll be remembered for her gentle spirit and quiet joy in helping others.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband in 1999 and her brother, Robin Oliver, in 2001. She is survived by her sister, Nancy Oliver; her five daughters, Susan Newell, Elizabeth Foster, Catherine Foster, Leslie Foley and Mary Grant; and two grandchildren, Arthur Grant and Paul Foley.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Aug. 6 at Rolling Bay Presbyterian Church. An online guest book is at www.cookfamilyfuneralhome.com.