Thera Foster Hindmarsh

1929 - 2025

Thera Foster Hindmarsh

Hartford, VT - Thera Foster Hindmarsh, a lifelong Quaker, devoted physical therapist, educator, community volunteer, and beloved matriarch, died peacefully on October 17, 2025, at Valley Terrace in Hartford, Vermont. She was 96.

Born in Warwick, Rhode Island, on February 11, 1929, to Henry C. and Thyra Jane (Meyers) Foster, Thera was raised in a traditional Quaker household. She attended Westtown School in West Chester, Pennsylvania, graduating in 1947, and later earned her bachelor's degree from Bouve-Boston, Tufts College, preparing for a lifelong career as a physical therapist.

Thera married Robert Gray Hindmarsh on July 7, 1951, whom she met on her family farm when he came to work as part of his college degree, beginning a partnership grounded in shared ideals and deep commitment to education and service. In 1957, together with several other families, they co-founded The Meeting School, a Quaker boarding school in Rindge, NH, where Thera played an essential role in shaping residential life for the students, nurturing a sense of home, responsibility, and care.

In 1965, Thera and family moved to Concord, MA where she resumed her career as a physical therapist at Emerson Hospital after taking time off to raise her children. She later moved into home care near Media, Pennsylvania, where she and Robert lived until he retired.

Thera's life was filled with quiet contributions that enriched every community she joined. From selling Aunt Jane's beet relish from a garden stand, to volunteering across numerous committees in Putney, Vermont, where she and Robert retired in 1989, Thera was a tireless and engaged citizen. Her work included the Putney Library, local gardening clubs, the Fortnightly Club, volunteering with AARP, and serving on the committee to build a sidewalk to the elementary school - all reflecting her belief in collective responsibility and community.

She had an enduring passion for gardening, a sharp eye on current events, and an unwavering sense of purpose and presence.

Thera was predeceased by her husband, Robert, in 2012. She leaves behind her children, Elizabeth Hindmarsh of White River Junction, Walter Hindmarsh and his wife Patty of Wickenburg, AZ, Thomas Hindmarsh and his wife Julie of Wickenburg, AZ, and Alison Briggs and her husband Stephen of Chittenden, VT. Survivors also include her grandchildren, Anne Briggs and her husband Michael Cluff of Orlando, FL, and Emily Johnson and her husband Andrew of Amherst, NH, as well as four great grandchildren, Thomas, Susanna, Evelyn, and Alexander.

The family wishes to thank the excellent care Thera received at Valley Terrace and by Bayada Hospice staff.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Donations in her memory may be made to the World Wildlife Fund, 1250 24th Street N. W. Washington DC, 20037 or the American Friends Service Committee, 1501 Cherry Street, Philadelphia, PA19102-2313.

Knight Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed in an online guestbook found at www.knightfuneralhomes.com