Nelly Foster

Nelly was born on April 11, 1937, in the village of Ostrówek in Lublin, Poland, to Eduard and Lydia Sadowski. With the advent of World War II, Nelly’s family relocated to Germany where they moved frequently throughout the country before settling in Osnabrück. Nelly married her first husband, Karl-Heinz Luebcke, on June 11, 1955. Together they had four children: Gabriele, Ulrike, Frank, and Stefan. By this time, Nelly’s parents and siblings had immigrated to the United States. Nelly later joined them after the passing of her husband. On June 11, 1964, Nelly, alone with her four young children, made the long ocean voyage to the States. She settled in Spokane Valley, Washington, where her parents and siblings had already made their homes. Here, she was not only reunited with relatives, but also found a home in the congregation of Gethsemane Lutheran Church. She also found new love when she met Larry Foster and the two were married on November 16, 1969. The couple later adopted Tina, Nelly’s fifth child.

Nelly’s life was not an easy one, but despite the hardships which she had endured, Nelly lived lovingly and gratefully, attributing her strength to her Lord Jesus. She found joy in the simple things: flowers, sunshine, the stars in the sky, or a hot cup of coffee. Nelly saw everything good in her life as an outpouring of blessings from God. In her younger years, Nelly enjoyed knitting and embroidery. She loved working outdoors and was known for her beautiful flower beds. She was also known for her cooking and baking, and she loved to host dinners for her family at her home. Nelly even found joy in work, whether it was mending furniture at Self Service Furniture, fastening tiny springs to keyboards at KeyTronics, or doing a load of laundry at home.

Nelly always had a smile for those she loved. Even in her last days, you could see and hear her joy when she received a visitor or a call. She will be remembered for her love and laughter, sincerity and silliness. From hugs and kind words, to joking, singing and dancing, Nelly always found a way into the heart of each person she met. But above all, she will be remembered for her strong faith and love for Jesus Christ.

Nelly was preceded in death by her parents Eduard and Lydia, brothers Erwin and Adolf, sister Frieda, son Frank, daughter Ulrike, and husbands Karl-Heinz and Larry. She is survived by her sister Ida Prater, daughters Gabriele Luebcke (Eric) and Tina Prescott (William), son Stefan Luebcke (Kathryn), grandsons Matthew, Jacob, Cameron, Jordan and Henry, three great-grandsons, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A viewing will be held for Nelly on Friday, October 23 from 12:00-1:30, followed by an interment service at 2:00, at Thornhill Chapel, 1400 S Pines Rd., Spokane Valley, Washington.

Family and friends are also invited to the memorial service on Saturday, October 24 at 2:00 at Gethsemane Lutheran Church, 11315 E Broadway Ave, Spokane Valley, Washington.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial donations may be made to Gethsemane Lutheran Church’s Building Fund at https://gethsemaneclc.churchcenter.com/giving