Debra Foster Obituary
Born May 16, 1952, in Harrisburg, she was the daughter of the late William E. and Betty V. (May) Sterner.
Deb was a 1970 graduate of Susquenita High School. Deb devoted herself to raising her girls and was a stay-at-home mother during their early years. In addition, she had worked at the Duncannon Branch of First National Bank of Newport and Polyclinic Hospital.
Deb deeply valued time with her family and found joy in their company. She loved shopping trips, overnight getaways to Dover, and spending sunny days at Dewey Beach with friends and loved ones. She was also a gifted quilter; her warmth and creativity were beautifully reflected in the quilts she made.
Deb is survived by her daughter, Tina Shaffer and her husband, Robert Shaffer, Jr. of Duncannon; stepdaughter, Angela Ehrhardt and her husband, Robert Ehrhardt of Hanover, MD; grandchildren, Jeanette Shelton, Jacob Martin, Jackson Martin, Alyssa Shaffer, Abigail Shaffer and Breck Shaffer and 11 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters, Jane Whitmyer of Marysville, Mary Lou Yeager of Shermans Dale, Nancy Hoffman of Duncannon, Virginia Clark of Liverpool, Betty Heckert and her husband, Carl of Reading and Patricia Scheidler and her husband, Harry of Halifax.
In addition to her parents, Deb was preceded in death by her husband and soulmate, Paul E. Foster; daughter, Tammy Foster; grandson, J. Nicholas DeJordy and brothers, Harold "Tuff" Carpenter and William Sterner.
Relatives and friends are invited to join the family in a Celebration of Her Life from 11:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. on Saturday August 23, 2025 at the Otterbein United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 327 Newport Road, Duncannon. A small family graveside service will be held at Union Cemetery at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday August 21, 2025.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either Otterbein United Methodist Church, 327 Newport Road, Duncannon, PA 17020, the Perry County Animal Rescue, 329 Sugar Run Road Millerstown, PA 17062, or the Gift of Life Donor Program, 867 Fishburn Road, Hershey, PA 17033.
People and places connected with Debra
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Memories and Condolences
for Debra Foster
Tell your own story about Debra
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.
How you can show support
Make a Donation
in Debra Foster's name
How to support Debra's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Debra Foster's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
