Elizabeth Anderson Foster

Elizabeth Anderson Foster (“Liz” to her friends, “Bibbett” to her family, and “Nani” to her grandchildren), was born in India to parents Aurel and Robert Foster, and died peacefully on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 in Delmar, New York, with her wife by her side. She was 83.

Liz attended the Woodstock School in Mussoorie, India, in the foothills of the Himalayan mountains. She moved to the United States in 1958, studied at Maryville College in Tennessee and earned her nursing degree from the Columbia School of Nursing. She later completed a master’s in nursing at Russell Sage College. Throughout her career, she worked across public health settings. At Schenectady County Public Health Services, she led early AIDS education efforts. At the New York State Department of Health, she served as a research nurse and helped develop tuberculosis protocols for the state prison system. After retiring, she worked in education and outreach for the Epilepsy Foundation of Northeastern New York.

Liz spent 45 years with her wife, Terri Lukacko, whom she met in graduate school. They lived in Voorheesville for more than 20 years before moving to Hobart, Australia, to be near Liz’s daughter Ginger. Tasmania was a very special place to Liz and she and Terri returned many times to visit friends and enjoy the warm southern hemisphere winters. She treasured the close friendships she formed with those around her, many of whom she sang with in the Union Choir and at the New Sydney Hotel.

Liz and Terri returned to the United States in 2008 and settled in Albany, close to her son Ben’s family. Since 2022, they lived at the Spinney in Delmar, where Liz started an instructional bridge group, teaching residents to play and occasionally taking them to competitive external bridge events.

Liz appreciated the love and companionship of her family and friends over her last 6 months. Her family held a large party for her in July and she was touched to be able to see many relatives who traveled long distances to celebrate with her. She spent her last week with her family at Thanksgiving, playing games, enjoying meals prepared by her children and grandchildren, and drinking wine.

Liz cared deeply for others and loved reading, cooking, art, listening to and making music, good conversation, creative costumes (on Halloween or any other day of the year), and cursing. She gave great hugs. Her commitment to social justice and personal honesty have been an inspiration to her family and her wide network of friends.

Liz is survived by her wife, Terri, her sisters, Dorothy Harrold of Schenectady, Roberta Crowell of Holyoke, Massachusetts, and Janet Anderson of Ashland, Oregon, her daughter Ginger Schmidt (Michael) of Athens, Georgia, her son Ben Schwartz (Natalie Helbig) of Slingerlands, her grandchildren Owen and Anna Schmidt and Beckett and Zara Schwartz; and her former husband, Stanley Schwartz of Athens, Georgia. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews and friends from all over the world. She was predeceased by her parents and her siblings Margaret and Bruce Foster.

Liz’s family would like to thank Dr. Evangelist and her team at New York Oncology Hematology for their compassionate care and the Community Hospice staff who helped make her life easier in her last few weeks. Liz’s family is planning a memorial service in the spring. Liz hoped memorial contributions could be directed to the South End Children’s Cafe at Albany, NY.">southendchildrenscafe.org/donate, an organization she supported and volunteered for in Albany, NY. Online condolences may be made at www.danielkeenanfuneralhome.com.