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Elizabeth A. ‘Betty’ Foster

GORHAM — Elizabeth A. “Betty” Foster, 74, passed away peacefully gazing out at the ocean surrounded by her loving family. She was born March 25, 1943, a daughter of James G. and Elizabeth M. (Heeney) Calyer Sr.

Betty grew up in Peekskill, New York and was a 1961 graduate of Peekskill High School. She then went on to Northeastern College where she met her husband, Robert W. Foster, and they were married on July 30, 1966. Betty also attended the University of Michigan where she received a Masters degree. Betty furthered her education at the Harvard Divinity School and Andover Newton Theological School, earning a Masters in Divinity.

She spent her working years as teacher, childbirth educator, Unitarian Universalist ordained minister and pastoral counseling. She was a doctoral candidate in pastoral psychology when she suffered a stroke while on vacation in 1994.

Betty moved to Gorham House in April 2013 after the death of her husband and received amazing care throughout her years there. She stayed active at Gorham House participating in many activities including equestrian Therapy.

Betty will be remembered as an inspirational, supportive, caring, and fun-loving individual; someone who taught you to slow down and enjoy life. She loved to throw a dinner party, spoil her grandkids and cheer on the Patriots and Red Sox. She would feed you even if you weren’t hungry, give you the clothes out of her closet, and craved Dunkin Donuts’ decaf hazelnut iced coffees (one cream, one sugar) or two slices of bologna from the deli counter, depending on the day. Inspired by Dr. Who, she tested the limits of space and time by filling her refrigerator with more than it could ever possibly hold.

She is survived by her children, John Foster and his partner Linda Jones of Brooklyn, NY, Heather Owens and her husband, Eddie of Gorham, and Robert Foster of Silver Bay, NY; grandchildren, Padraic, Aidan and Emma Owens of Gorham; sisters Jeanne Mancinelli and Virginia Calyer; many special nieces, nephews, and countless friends.

She was predeceased by her husband, Robert W. Foster; and a brother James G. Calyer Jr..

A memorial service will be held on Monday, March 19, 2018 at 1:30 pm at the Gorham House, 50 New Portland Road, Gorham, Maine. In lieu of flowers please donate to Gorham House Activity Fund, 50 New Portland Road, Gorham, Maine 04038. To express condolences or participate in Betty’s online tribute, please visit www.DolbyBlaisSegee.com.