Obituary: Forster, Jean Elizabeth
One of five children, she met Merwyn Anthony Forster in the Singles Club at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, and they were married there by Msgr.
David Rosage on August 9, 1947.
After nearly sixty two years of marriage, she was predeceased by Merwyn on March 22, 2009.
She is survived by their three children: Kathleen Rinaldi, Edmonds, WA, James (Kathy) Forster, Belfair, WA, and Ronald Forster, Kirkland, WA; five grandchildren: Peter (Carly) Rinaldi, DO, Turlock, CA, Becki and Patrick Forster, both of Belfair, WA, and Nathan and Eric Forster, both of Kirkland, WA, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Jean attended Marycliff High School for one year, then graduated from Holy Names Academy in 1943.
One of many joint projects, she and Merwyn turned salvaged lumber from Spokane’s 1974 World’s Fair buildings and other “found objects” into a summer home on Hayden Lake, ID, and it became the family’s destination resort for many years.
Jean was the quintessential mother, providing care and guidance to her children and husband.
She was also a master of organizational skills and efficiency.
She was driven by the notion that walking faster will get you places quicker, as was demonstrated by her speed walks through the neighborhood and local shopping malls.
Shopping with her was like running a marathon.
Her many skills included cooking fantastic multi-course meals, followed by a selection of three different pies.
The pie crust was so good that she used to make extra and sprinkle sugar and cinnamon on top, so we could eat it right out of the oven.
We all miss those days.
Jean also taught her boys that a sewing machine was not gender specific, but rather just another power tool.
As one of her many creative skills, she would work her seamstress magic for family, friends and hundreds of local customers.
She also taught us to step up, go for what is right and strive to help others.
We love our Mom and will miss her support and advice, but know she is in a better place with our Dad.
She taught us so much, and we are better for having known her.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, June 7, 2014, at 11:00 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, at E. 4th Ave. and Adams Rd, Spokane Valley, WA.
The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the charity of your choice.