TERRIE LYNN (BRIDGEWATER) FOSTER

Terrie Lynn Foster, 63, passed away in her home, blanketed in love and surrounded by family. Her uncompromising journey with cancer was completed with poise, grace and laughter on August 16th, 2020. Even through her pain and struggle, her family could always see and feel her powerful love.

Terrie’s greatest accomplishment – and her most successful endeavor, was being a mother to her children and a grandma to her grandchildren. Not only did she shower her blood family with joy and love, but she also created family of the heart. People to whom she had no blood connection were seamlessly absorbed into her care and devotion, becoming valued members of her extended family. Her love was fierce and self-sacrificing. She gave hugs that left that “just hugged” feeling long after they ended. She was gentle, forgiving, and was the anchor for her family as only a true matriarch could be. The large holiday meals around her table remain cherished memories of love, laughter, food, and more love. Her table became a home not only to family, but to anyone who didn't have a place to go. Her kindness and acceptance were a piercing light even at the darkest of times. Her smile, humor, and wit were always quick and freely given to all, friend and foe alike.

Terrie was born in North Hollywood, CA. on May 20th, 1957 to Leslie and Mary (Winters) Bridgewater. She graduated from Antelope High School in Lancaster CA., in 1975. Later on, she continued her education at Centralia College in Centralia WA, and used the skills she learned to become a phlebotomist for Steck Medical Group in Centralia WA and at Palouse Medical in Pullman, WA. She also worked for the Santa Barbra Country Fairgrounds in fair management and also was an entrepreneur in hand crafted goods with her best friend of 32 years.

While her professional life was important to her, Terrie's real joy came from service to her community and her family. She was an accomplished horsewoman, a vocal rodeo mom, a WASET volunteer, and an FFA volunteer. She volunteered as a 4-H sheep/horse leader for fifteen years. She mentored dozens of young people in animal care, as well as leadership, dependability, and responsibility. Terrie found passion in educating minds and sparking wonder in the kids she mentored. Her lessons in animal husbandry included not only care and compassion for animals, but the confidence to speak intelligently and work as a team. Her kind and firm guidance are her legacy to every child she mentored. Terrie was an avid vegetable gardener and took great pleasure in providing fresh produce, canned foods and preserves for her family and friends. She had a special affinity for sunflowers. If you ever see a sunflower on the Palouse there is a good chance it might have come from her original sunflower harvest. She was also devoted to exploring nature and was excited by adventures in the wild. Her greatest enjoyment in these adventures was spotting wildlife and sharing those experiences with her grandkids and children.

In honor of Terrie’s memory, the Hawkins/Foster family ask that you take an adventure in the wilderness or nurture a plant. When on an adventure - be kind, courteous, curious, but most importantly, (only slightly less important than seeing a bear or a moose), is to be friendly and open to your fellow travelers. When growing a plant, think of the love and care you give being shared back with you in the form of a beautiful flower or nourishing food.

Terrie is survived by one son, Caleb Hawkins, two daughters; Rheannon Hawkins (Theresa Gonzalez) and Mahlea Kritzeck (Cody), all in Palouse, WA. Terrie is also survived by her mother, Mary Bridgewater-Love and an older brother, Les Bridgewater (Treesa) Chelan WA. and a younger brother, Daryl Bridgewater (Paulette) Mansfield, WA. Her legacy will continue in her four grandchildren.

The family of her heart includes Fred and Karen Breed of Mossyrock, WA, Sara Berry (Sean) Portland, OR. Four stepchildren; Monique Orquiz (Chilo), Eddie Foster (Jackie), Micha Foster (Brooke), and Tasha Foster, along with fifteen step grandchildren - all reside in New Mexico.

Kramer Funeral Home in Palouse WA. is caring for the family. Online condolences may be left at www.kramercares.com

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