Angela Ferrier Foster: July 19, 1956-May 20, 2010
The Gathering started as a respite program for people with Alzheimer’s disease in September 2001. Not long after the program had gotten underway, a vivacious redhead joined us to help lead exercise every week.
Angela Foster jumped into her volunteer job as exercise leader with all of the enthusiasm and energy of a cheerleader at the homecoming football game. Someone once said that you can’t light a fire with a wet match and Angela was definitely no wet match.
The most touching thing about watching Angela was the way she began her exercise routine each week. With all of the participants seated in a large circle, Angela would make her way around, stopping to talk, hug, squeeze hands, and visit with everyone. She always made a point to greet new folks and to make them feel welcome. Angela had an uncanny way of knowing just who needed special attention that week. We all loved watching her cup someone’s face in her hands and speak softly to them. That person who had looked sad, or lonely, or depressed moments before, now had a smile on their face and was ready to exercise.
Angela’s life epitomized the expression that actions speak louder than words. St. Francis of Assisi said, “Share the gospel at all times, and if necessary, use words”. Our lives will forever be changed by her living example.
One of our volunteers said, “The world has lost a shining light”. That is certainly true. However, the light that Angela shone for the 8 years she volunteered at the Gathering will continue to touch lives far beyond our ability to know or comprehend.
Please enjoy these photos of Angela doing what she did best: encouraging, assisting, and loving people.