Mary Etta Foster

Mary Etta Foster passed away on June 23, 2024, in Bellingham, WA.

Born to Cecil and Nova (Hanger) Abrams in Van Buren, MO, Mary moved to Ferndale in 1944 with the extended Hanger family. She always owed her faith in God to her first-grade teacher Miss Gunderson.

Mary was born a true “Diva” and a talented artist. Her entire life was consumed with creating and painting, or in her garden. She was known as the Christmas tree lady, living with 70 themed trees for her friends’ enjoyment. Her obsessions were her shoe and jewelry collection, airplanes, and fast cars. Animals were also a great part of her life, and she used to say many of her best friends were dogs.

Mary loved to be involved in many groups and activities including The Farm Forestry Association, American Business Women’s Association, Master Gardeners, Birchwood Garden Club, The Horticulture Society, and many more.

She leaves behind her beloved daughter, Holly Neria and husband Michael, her grandchildren Hunter Pike, Brock Pike, and Jerika Brennan.

Mary pays tribute to her partner of 29 years, Robert Jerstedt, who preceded her in death. She also expresses her love for all of her students from many years of teaching, the teachers at Holly Lynn School, friends Susan Wright, Radine Carey, Craig, Chris, Mark Wright, the late Wilma McLeod, Judy Boxx, Carol Mclean, Jane Mickas, and Jean Powell, as well as the Tuesday Second Chance Ladies, and the Every Morning Lynden Prayer Group.

A funeral service will be held at Westford Funeral Home (1301 Broadway, Bellingham) on Wednesday, July 3rd at 11:00am with a dessert reception following. Mary will be laid to rest at Greenacres Memorial Park during a private family service.