Ruth Foerster

Susan Foerster, 88, of Spartanburg, SC, passed away on Friday, August 11, 2017, after a brief illness. Susan was born in Anklam, Germany, on August 5, 1929. After graduating from the Technische Hochschule in Halle in 1950 as a chemical technologist, she worked at the University of Greifswald, where she met her future husband, Paul. They were married in 1953 and in January 1956, shortly after the birth of their first son, they emigrated to West Germany. In 1967 they emigrated a second time, this time to the United States. With their two young sons they settled in Spartanburg, which has been their home ever since. In Spartanburg, Susan's focus continued to be raising her family as loving mother and being the quiet partner steadfastly supporting her husband. Together they loved to entertain. She was an outstanding baker. Her Stollen and Christmas cookies were eagerly anticipated by all. Her hobbies included tennis, which she played into her 60's, and card games, particularly Bridge and the German Skat. She helped numerous other international families successfully get settled into the Upstate community. For these efforts she was recognized with South Carolina's highest honor, the Order of the Palmetto. She loved to read, both in English and German, doing German crossword puzzles and playing Yatzee. She balanced her checkbook to the penny. But her favorite moments were time spent with family, particularly her grandchildren with whom she loved to play games and bake. She is survived by Paul, her husband of 64 years; her son, Thomas Foerster and his wife Dona of Newtown Square, PA; her son, Claus Foerster of Spartanburg, SC; her grandchildren, Eliot Foerster, Elise Foerster, Grace Fredrick and husband Will, and Ruthie Foerster; and many nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, September 16, 2017 at St. John's Lutheran Church, by the Rev. Michael Shackelford. (NOTE: Service time changed from 10:30 AM) In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. John's Memorial Fund, 415 South Pine Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302; or Mobile Meals Service, PO Box 461, Spartanburg, SC 29304. Floyd's North Church Street Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Ruth "Susan" Foerster please visit our Sympathy Store.