Patricia Allene Foster

Patricia Allene "Patty" Foster, 58, of Asheville, NC, began her homecoming and eternal peace on Tuesday, July 28, 2009, following a courageous seven-year battle with ovarian cancer, surrounded by family members and special friends. Her death will be mourned by a larger circle of friends and relatives. Patricia's message for those unable to be present was "tell them to meet me in Heaven." With Paul, she would say, "I have fought a good fight; I have finished my course; I have kept the faith; henceforth, there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous judge, may award me at that day." Ms. Foster began her life with her birth at the Naval Hospital, on the island of Guam. She was the third and youngest daughter of Col. James E. Foster and of the late Alice Louise Roberts Foster. Patty was a U.S. Army "Brat," growing to adulthood during the Korean, Vietnam, and Cold War era. Hence, she lived with her loving military family and attended schools in multiple places in the United States and overseas. Patty earned a BS degree in Medical Technology from Ohio State University, in 1973. Upon graduation, she joined her family in Fairfax, VA, where she successfully passed the required medical examination and received her initial professional license. In 1980, she moved to North Carolina and became a long-term employee of Mountain Area Family Health Center. At an early age, Patricia accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior. She was a person of faith and family. She worked tirelessly for the church in many endeavors, especially in assisting youths and counseling those with troubles and special needs. She always demonstrated an open, compassionate, cheerful approach to those that needed guidance and help. Her compassion was revealed as she offered a number of people a place to stay in her home over the years. She had a love of animals and provided shelter for several strays. Her many interests included music and singing, various types of needlecraft and sewing, cooking, art, and reading. Dr. Nathan E. Williams, MD, the other superb specialists, technicians, and staff of Hope - A Women's Cancer Center were essential participants in Patty's protracted battle with her disease. Patty became very active in the "Strength for Living Support Group," assisting in fundraising, conducting social activities, and providing loving counsel to other center patients. No one who knew Patricia could help but admire and adore her. She was one who touched lives, and spread positive cheer and joy wherever she went. Her dedicated life was synonymous with her strong Christian faith. Her special legacy will be the indelible mark she has left on the hearts and in the minds of all who knew and experienced her devotion and commitment to "service above self." Reunite and rejoice in our Heavenly Father's name. Patricia will be greatly missed by all and we shall love her always. She was a member of Biltmore Baptist Church, where she sang in the choir and attended Sunday School. She is survived by her father, Col. James E. Foster, Austin, TX; sisters, Anita Louise and husband Alan Beard, of Fairfax, VA, and Anna Kathleen and husband James Stern, of Austin; brother, James Christopher and wife Karen Foster, of Nixa, MO; five nieces, two nephews, and one grand-niece. She is also survived by other relatives and a host of friends. Special survivor recognition is extended to the loving surrogate family of Jack and Jane Hipps, and their children, Rachel and Adam, of Asheville. Over the past 25 years, each became a special sister, brother, niece, and nephew. They became a part of Patty's close family. They were always there daily and participated lovingly during the many joys and trials experienced by Aunt Patty. She reciprocated and was there to assist her special adopted family during their celebrations and hardships. Patricia will rest eternally alongside her family members in the Foster family plot at Forest Oaks Memorial Gardens, located in southwest Austin, TX. Special thanks to many dear friends; Hope - A Women's Cancer Center; CarePartners Hospice and Solace Center; special friends Jack and Jane Hipps; Janice Jackson; and Sally Winchester. A celebration of Patty's life will be at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 8, at Biltmore Baptist Church with the Rev. Carl Setterlind officiating. The celebration will then continue in Terrace Hall. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hope - A Women's Cancer Center, 100 Ridgefield Ct., Asheville, NC 28806, Mountain Ridge Chrysalis, P.O. Box 1437, Asheville, NC 28802, the American Cancer Society, 120 Executive Park, #1, Asheville, NC 28801; Biltmore Baptist Church, 35 Clayton Rd., Arden, NC 28704; or to a charity of one's choice. Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave. is assisting with the arrangements.