Susan Foster (10 May 1943 - 30 Dec 2021)

Fondly remembering a great lady

In memory of Sue

Thanks for all your kind hospitality during my post student day Sue. Rest in peace. Love Fx

Remembering the happy times we all had together.

In Memory of my friend Sue

In loving memory of Sue, my friend since our first day together in Primary School, 74 years ago.
Sincere condolences, with love from all the family, including Sue's God-daughter Sara.

Happy days Madeira September 2020

IN MEMORY OF MY WONDERFUL FRIEND SUE: A LOVING TRIBUTE
A – Australia. More about that later (see M below!). Wow, there have been so many adventures ‘Down Under’ it seems, and so much excitement over the years in W.A.
B – Sue’s amazing children, Bruce and Beany, whom both Sue held so dear. Sue constantly spoke to me about both Bruce and Beany’s achievements and clearly held great love and respect for them. While (let’s be honest), life is never actually a ‘bed of roses’ (and Sue would never describe herself as the perfect mother), I can honestly say that Sue was always so proud of all her children. She held so much praise and pride for all Beany, Bruce and Mel have achieved.
C – The 6 C’s: In nursing we have what is known as ‘The 6 Cs: Courage, care, compassion, communication, commitment and competence. Sue was true to all of these throughout her nursing and health visiting career. What more can I say.
D - Devotion. Devotion to her family. Devotions are a wonderful way to get closer to God: A quiet time spent reflecting on life. While Sue never considered herself to be perfect by any means she and I would often speak about the importance and significance of devotion; to family and friends. Sue, thank you.
E - Everyone. I will always remember Sue true and supportive. Sue really cared about people – everyone she knew. Over the past 20 + years, Sue has offered me so much support, expertise, encouragement.
F – Fran. Fran is Sue’s dear and much-loved friend; one whom Sue always looked upon as very special person, loved, trusted, and respected.
G – Gratitude. In early lockdown Sue would visit me (and family) near Maldon very regularly for the day; for a meal and a chat. Sue never took these visits for granted and was always so grateful and appreciative. An example is when Sue would arrive laden down with goodies, particularly cake, cake, and even more cake!
H -Honesty. Sue was one of the most straightforward and honest people I know (except when it came to her walking and exercise regime of course – let’s not go there!!!). On many an occasion she would remind me if I was mistaken about anything important. I admit, this was sometimes infuriating. However, in truth and I hate to admit it, Sue was absolutely right – a lot of the time.
I - Intelligence. Intelligence has been defined in many ways: the capacity for abstraction and logic (particularly before Rob sadly died), understanding, learning, reasoning, critical thinking and problem solving. Well, in relation to Sue’s gifts – what more can I say! Her mind and memory was spot on, right to the end.
J – Justice. Sue (and Rob) always had a clear sense of right and wrong. Sue always worked so hard to help enable people close to her, including her patients/clients to be treated justly, fairly and with compassion.
K - Kindness. Sue was kind in abundance and so appreciative of all the kindness shown to her.
L - Laughter. Sue truly had the most infectious laugh, that in no way could be disguised or ignored. Sue’s laugh was so ‘sophisticated’. Most people remark about speaking the Queens English. Sue both spoke and laughed the ‘Queens English’!
M – Sue’s brilliant daughter Mel. Personally, I don’t think I’ve had the opportunity to meet Mel face to face: I certainly feel that I have though; after hearing so much over the years about the ‘Adventures of Mel and family ‘down under’, and not forgetting all the photos featured on Whatsap/Facetime to prove it.
N - Noble and wise. I will always hold so much love & respect for you Sue; all the support you have offered and all the care you have shown me and my family over the years.
O – Oxford. Sue spoke so often about family friendships and visits to Oxford with Rob. I remember this well, particularly while experiencing some of the most challenging days at work, hearing all about Sue and Rob’s Oxford weekend adventures.
P - Prayer. I remember Sue quietly praying quite often, most recently over the past years of the pandemic. While Sue never considered herself a ‘regular church goer’ she did hold a strong faith in God.
Q - Quick. Sue was incredibly bright and quick witted; one of the many characteristics I loved about her. She had a great sense of humour. While Sue could present as serious and quite formal at times, she was always able to make me laugh.
R - Re-united. It is true to say that Sue and I didn’t always see eye to eye and could be quite firm and fierce with each other at times. In truth, there was always a good reason (I hold a passion for walking and hiking which, whatever Sue may have suggested at times, was never her thing) and we would chat together and re-unite over cup of tea, a toasted tea cake, a scone in a café (most recently at Hyde Hall) – or even a Magnum ice cream – in no time at all.
S – Swimming. Sue has enjoyed swimming for as long as I can remember. At RCN (Royal College of Nursing and CPHVA (Community Practitioners and Health Visitors Association) conferences, Sue was always first up for an early morning swim in the hotel pool. On our recent holiday in Madeira (September 2020), swimming was a bit more of a struggle for Sue. However, despite this, Sue bought a new and very striking swimming costume specially for the trip.
T - Tolerance. I think particularly of Sue’s care and tolerance of her clients/patients in Tilbury, even when they were not at home for arranged visits – etc! Sue was interested in and really cared about people. Whatever their circumstances, Sue was genuinely interested in hearing and in learning more.
Sue valued equality, diversity and the importance of mutual respect. People choose to live their lives in so many ways, and Sue always seemed to love and embrace that reality.
U - Unconditional love and support. In friendship particularly, thank you Sue.
V - Visionary. Sue had so many wonderful ideas to share, both personally and professionally to support the development of health visiting. I remember with great fondness our trip as Primary Care Group (PCG/NHS Trust) nurse lead Board members; ‘jet-setting’ off to Glasgow with Ryanair (only the best for us!) for an early teambuilding weekend with the rest of the Board. What an experience that was 😊
W - Walking. I recall some wonderful conversations with Sue about walking. These conversations always fascinated me; the reason being that, quite frankly I rarely saw Sue walk more than a few metres – and that was with a large amount of encouragement! This however never stopped Sue referring to and reminiscing about all her mountain hikes over the years, particularly while on her holidays to Switzerland with Rob.
X - X-tra special lady. I’ll apologise now for this one!
Y – ‘Why’. When we are grieving for someone, someone we loved who has died, we often ask ourselves ‘why’. Please be assured – I am no exception.
ZZZ - Rest In Peace Sue my friend. Thank you for all your love, care, friendship and support. You will never be forgotten.