Obituary of Catharine B. Foster

Mrs. Catharine B. "Kay" Foster, 92, of Clark Ave., Fort Plain, NY, died Friday, January 27, 2012 at Wells Nursing Home, Johnstown, NY, where she had been a resident for 8 months. Born May 11, 1919 in Bovina Center, NY, she was the daughter of Anthony Banuat and Margaret Craig Banuat. After graduating from Delaware Academy in Delhi, NY, Kay attended Oneonta Normal School (the present SUNY Oneonta), and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education in 1940. It was then that she moved to Caroga Lake, NY where she would live and work for the majority of her life. Kay began her teaching career at Wheelerville Union Free School, with one year spent at McNab School, In Gloversville, NY. In 1943, she was married to Wesley E. Foster. He preceded her in death on November 31, 1976. Along with her excellent teaching abilities, Kay was an accomplished homemaker, excelling in her baking skills (especially pie crusts), sewing ability, needlework projects, gardening, & caring for her family. She was also active in community & church organizations. She was a member of the Wheelerville PTA, a volunteer for the American Red Cross, Sunday School Superintendent for 18yrs at North Bush Methodist Church, and a Girl Scout leader. The Caroga Lake Evangelical Chapel held a special place in her heart, where she was a Trustee for many years. Saturday nights during many summers, one would find Kay picking wildflowers by the side of the road for her beautiful Sunday morning bouquets at the Chapel. After 31yrs. of teaching, she retired from Wheelerville in 1979 and moved to her new home in Fort Plain to be closer to her family. She continued to be active by caring for her beloved grandchildren, becoming involved in Delta Kappa Gamma, New York State Retired Teachers' Association, and the Upper Montgomery Retired Teachers' Association for which she was a representative to the Annual Retired Teachers' Convention many times. She also acted as their Historian, starting a scrapbook of the activities of the Association and its members. She became an active member of Cornerstone Baptist Church where she met her new church family who became some of her dearest friends. During her retirement years, her love of traveling began. She was always anxious to share her adventures regarding the 72 countries she visited and the special friendships she made and has kept to this day. Kay lived a long, full life and has now reaped the reward of her heavenly home. She leaves behind her daughter, Norma Jean Clark of Fort Plain, NY; 2 grandchildren, Kristin E. (Jeffery) Williams of Hastings, MI and Stephen J. (Erin) Clark of Fredericksburg, VA; 7 great-grandchildren, Jacob Williams, Aidan Clark, Emma Williams, Magdalyn Williams, Andrew Clark, Heidi Williams, and Abigail Williams; several nieces & nephews, and many special friends. She was predeceased by her brother, David Craig Banuat, and 2 sisters, Mary Reynolds and Marjorie Banuat. She will be missed by all who have had the blessing of having her in their life. A service of celebration will be held on Tuesday, January 31, 2012, at 11:00AM at the Cornerstone Baptist Church, Route 10, Ames, NY with the Rev. Alan Potter officiating. The family will receive relatives and friends on Tuesday from 10-11AM at the church. Burial will take place in Ferndale Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to Gray-Houghtaling & Smith Funeral Home, 34 Center Street, Fort Plain, NY 13339. Contributions in memory of Mrs. Catharine B. Foster may be made to Cornerstone Baptist Church, Route 10, Ames, NY 13317.