Edith Agnes Foster

Edith Foster, known by everyone as Dee, or Grandma Dee Dee, was born in McMillian, Mich., on Aug. 22, 1916, and raised in the small town of Ewen, Mich. She left this world on Sept. 17, 2016 at the age of 100.

She was the youngest of nine children born to Amelia Cayer and John Albright. Dee found herself on her own at a very young age and worked various jobs to support herself and help her mother. In 1927, while working as a waitress in a tea room in Minneapolis, Minn., she met Jack Delahunt, who worked in the radio station in their building. Jack was a well-known radio announcer, accomplished musician, and entertainer. Dee and Jack married and produced two sons, David and Dennis Delahunt.

Their marriage ended in 1950 and Dee made the courageous decision to move to Oregon with her two sons and their cocker spaniel. In an old car, with little money, she set out on a cross-country journey, to join her relatives and begin a new life in Oregon. Always a strong and determined person, Dee completed her journey and settled in Beaverton, where she found work to support herself and her two sons.

As a beautiful, intelligent and charming young woman, she found herself pursued by many suitors and in 1952, married Bill L. Foster, a local real estate broker. Together, they built a successful real estate business in Aloha, which at the time was the only real estate firm between Beaverton and Hillsboro. Dee and Bill were very active in community organizations, such as the Elks, Kiwanis, Rotary and the Realtors Association. Bill passed away in 1986 at the age of only 64. In her usual manner and with her strength of character, Dee pioneered on and moved to her new home in Westbrook, where she recently celebrated her 100th birthday.

Dee loved golfing, gardening, dancing, music, reading and travelling with her many friends, including longtime friends Art and Belva Church, and William Dresser. She was a member of the St. Cecilia Parish since 1950.

As she requested, she passed away peacefully in her beloved home. Dee is proceeded in death by son David, all of her siblings, and most of her contemporary lifelong friends. She is survived and missed by her son Dennis; grandchildren Tracie Renwick, Todd Delahunt, Derek Delahunt and Steven Delahunt; daughters-in-law Judith Ray, Jacqueline Left Hand Bull, and Marina Delahunt; nieces Carla Tolliver, Jane Kinder, Mary Kay Johnson; nephews Ted Tolliver and Jack Delahunt; and cherished friends Susan Aherne, and Jim and Jackie Ray. She was also grateful for the love and care of caregivers and friends.

After the passing of her son David, Dee described a very vivid dream in which David and her beloved mother Amelia were watching over her and waiting to welcome her to Heaven, where they would be together for all eternity. That time has come and she now is at peace with God and her loved ones.