Miriam Foster, 84
Miriam Morris Foster, July 8, 1939-June 28, 2024.
Miriam Morris Foster was born on July 8, 1939, in Salem, Ohio, as the much-adored child of Ruth Bradshaw Morris and Leonard Dilworth Morris. Her father died when she was two years old and she was raised by her mother and a wonderful extended family of aunts, uncles and grandparents in East Palestine, Ohio.
She attended Westminster College in New Wilmington, Pennsylvania, where she met her future husband, Stillman Allen Foster Jr. Upon graduating from college, Miriam taught school while Allen completed graduate education at Princeton Seminary. Upon completion, they embarked on a new adventure in Edinburgh, Scotland, where Allen pursued his Ph.D. Together they leapt into the adventure of parenting; first of their new basset hound puppy and when adequately practiced, they joyfully welcomed their first son, Stillman Allen Foster lll; with a surprise arrival on her birthday.
Thus began their lifelong love affair with Scotland. Miriam and Allen (both of Scottish heritage) returned there many times over the years.
Next, their lives took them to Washington, D.C., where they were thrilled to welcome son, Robin Wallace Foster. After a short time, they moved to Newcastle, Pennsylvania, where they were delighted to welcome daughter, Amy Ruth Foster-Wexler. They raised their children in Centerville, Ohio, where Miriam began her 20-plus year calling, teaching children with special needs.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, then became their home for 20 years until retirement. She taught school and served in many capacities as a pastor’s wife at Southminster Presbyterian Church. Here they made many lifelong friendships. When it became time to retire, a number of friends questioned their plan, but they built their dream home in Whitefish, in the mountains near Glacier National Park and spent the next 20 years welcoming many family and friends to this very special place.
To say that Miriam was a people person is an understatement. She typically was the last to leave a gathering and never knew a stranger, just a friend she hadn’t yet met. She thoroughly enjoyed sharing their Montana home with visitors from across the U.S., Scotland and England. There were many breakfasts enjoyed on the deck in summertime and just as many Steeler football games watched in the fall, in front of a roaring fireplace. Miriam was an eager hiker, rafter; food, theater and symphony appreciator; and book lover. She was always game to explore new places.
A lifelong Presbyterian, from Scotland to Montana, the church was often the center of Miriam‘s life. She served as both a deacon and elder and participated in numerous service groups over the years, including PEO, where she made many wonderful friends. Miriam and Allen fully retired to Immanuel Lutheran Communities in Kalispell, in 2019 and continued to nurture rich and meaningful friendships from within their local community and from afar.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Stillman Allen Foster Jr; and is survived by her children, Allen, Robin, (Christine) and Amy (Steven); as well as grandchildren, Michaela, Joray, Marley, Quinn, and Jess; her stepbrother, Richard Harriet, and her brother-in-law and dear friend, Randell Bostwick, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Memorial services are to begin at 11 a.m. on Aug. 17, at Immanuel Lutheran, and at Southminster Presbyterian Church in Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania, in September, at a date and time yet to be determined. Memorial contributions may be made to an organization of your choosing.