In Loving Memory of
Colleen Foster
(nee Coleen Celeste Green)
October 29, 1935 – October 27, 2014
Dying two days short of her 79th birthday, perhaps Colleen's last recollection was of being the 12 lb newborn who caused her mother's heart to stop during birth. In 1935 Midway, BC had no doctor but her mother, Freda Fern Green (nee - Hammerstrom), survived the ordeal and went on to give Colleen 4 brothers; Nels, Thor, Eric and Christopher. Being the big sister of 4 brothers had its challenges but their roaming adventures into the environs around their many homes prepared her well to care for her own family and keep them safe. Colleen's father, Tuno Green, was a Swedish emigrant and master carpenter who moved his young family often to numerous communities in BC in order to work on various construction jobs. During the summer of 1954 the family packed up their trusty 1936 Pontiac and on the wishes of her mother this time, headed out to explore the North Thompson Valley. On their first night, they slept on the beach at Dutch Lake. Loving the area, her family settled here a few years but for Colleen, Clearwater would become her home for the next 60 years. After a nomadic childhood Colleen yearned for the stability and connectedness to a permanent home and community. It was here she met and dated John Alvin Foster, a local trucker, and they married in 1955. Over the next 17 years, John and Colleen had 6 children; John Jr., Lee Ann, Shelley (newborn died Sept. 1959), Suzanne, Jason and Dana.
Colleen described herself as a 'Tomboy' and a 'bit of a rebel'. She had a strong sense of moralism and was highly idealistic. These traits set in motion her activism in helping to protect the environment and the rights of Canadian citizens. In 1971 Colleen was a founding member of the Yellowhead Ecological Association.
Colleen was an avid photographer and many of her photos were used for local marketing initiatives. Colleen will be best remembered for her gardens at Glen Eddy, her deep love and caring for her family and her determination to help protect the quality of life for the residents of the North Thompson Valley.
A memorial for Colleen will be held Saturday, November 8 at the Clearwater Ski Club Lodge 566 Dunn Lake Road Clearwater at 1:00 pm. Everyone is welcome to attend. Please bring a photo memory of Colleen to hang on a photo memory clothes line.
The family of Colleen wish to thank the nurses and staff at Forestview Place in Clearwater for their loving care and attention to our dear mother during her last days.
In lieu of flowers please make donations in Colleen's name to Forestview Place Clearwater, BC. Arrangements entrusted to North Thompson Funeral Services, Clearwater, BC, telephone: 250-674-3030. Online condolences to the family may be sent to NTfuneral.com