Patricia Foster

1938 - 2018

Patricia (Balsley) Foster

Indianapolis - Patricia (Balsley) Foster, age 79, died on Monday, May 14, 2018 at her home in Indianapolis with her family by her side. Pat was born on October 14, 1938 in Gary, Indiana to Edna and Louis Balsley. Pat attended grade school in Gary, Indiana and later Broad Ripple High School in Indianapolis. After graduating from Darlington High School, Pat moved to Chicago, Illinois where she met her future husband and sweetheart, Bill Foster at the Methodist Church where her father just happened to be the head minister. The couple was married on June 4, 1960. Married for 35 years, Bill and Pat raised their 2 dear children, Eric and Elaine in Griffith, Indiana. During those years Pat was extremely involved in church ministries, Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of America, PTA, Sunday School teacher, being a room mom and any and all school and academic activities in which her children were involved. Possessing a true servant's heart, Pat faithfully cared for family and friends through her amazing culinary skills. Pat worked as an office manager for Grant Thornton in Chicago, Illinois, until her husband's untimely death in 1995. Pat traveled the country extensively before landing permanently in Indianapolis where she was closer to her five grandchildren both in Indianapolis and Chicago. While residing in Indianapolis, Pat enjoyed traveling, watching her grandchildren's numerous sporting events and activities and volunteering as a docent at the Indianapolis Children's Museum. While living at Marquette Manor in Indianapolis, Pat continued to serve others by volunteering at the Reflections Alzheimer's Unit and as the floor representative. She also served on the holiday party committee, by-law committee, welcome committee, and as a board representative. Some of her hobbies included playing bridge, and utilizing her love of the arts by hosting the knitting club. Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Edna and Louis Balsley and her husband, William Foster. She is survived by her older sister, Betty Eibling of California, her number 1 son, Dr. Eric (Nancy) Foster, her favorite daughter, Elaine (Troy) Branson, and devoted grandchildren, the absolute loves of her life, Kayla, Matthew; Foster William, Carter and Renee. Pat, forever a servant leader, gave the ultimate gift, bequeathing her remains to the Anatomical Education Program at the Indiana University School of Medicine. A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 9, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. Marquette Manor Chapel, 8140 Township Line Rd. Indianapolis. Burial will be at a later date at Calumet Park Cemetery, Merrillville, Indiana. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hospice Society of America or to the American Cancer Society Research Department.