Anne Elizabeth Forster

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Anne Elizabeth Forster on July 1, 2025, at the tender age of 59. Anne was the kindest, most generous, understanding, and loving wife, mother, sister, and friend. She touched countless lives with her warmth, grace, and quiet strength, always giving of herself without any expectation of reward.

Anne was born on July 17, 1965, in Los Angeles, California, and grew up in the suburbs of Woodland Hills as the youngest of six children in a large, close-knit family of siblings and cousins. She valued her Catholic education at St. Mel School and Louisville High School. Her academic journey later took her to the University of California Berkeley (Cal), the University of Virginia, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)—where she earned her master’s degree in business administration, an accomplishment she held with immense pride.

A lifelong lover of water, Anne was an exceptional swimmer. She dove into the pool as a 5-year-old and by the age of 10, she was ranked the second-fastest girl in the nation in her age group. Her high school career culminated in a memorable state finals meet, where she was a close runner up to a future 12-time Olympic medalist. Louisville High School inducted Anne into the inaugural class of its Athletic Hall of Fame in 2024—an exemplary honor that was well-deserved. Her prowess as an elite athlete paired with her stellar academic success earned her a full scholarship to Cal. Always a leader, Anne embraced the role of co-captain for the Cal women’s swim team and guided the team to a top 5 finish in the NCAA collegiate finals. After decades of commitment and dedication, her capstone competitive swimming achievement was qualifying for the 1984 U.S. Olympic Team Trials. Anne continued her passion for swimming well into adulthood as a devoted member of the DC Water Wizards Masters swim team, frequently competing in national meets. She delighted in swimming in oceans and seas across the globe, checking off each one with the goal of swimming them all. To watch Anne move through water—effortless and joyful—was to witness something truly magnificent.

Anne dedicated her professional life to public service. She began as a Congressional staffer on the Armed Services Committee and rose to become a leading financial analyst during the early days of the Department of Homeland Security. Her final role was as CFO for the DHS Office of Biometric Information Management. Even after leaving federal service, Anne remained committed to mentoring and teaching, sharing her expertise in financial management with future generations of public servants. She was respected not only for her knowledge but also for her tenacity, humor, and heart.

Anne believed deeply in the value of experiences over material things. She was known for organizing unforgettable travel excursions—especially for her milestone birthdays—and for spontaneous gatherings with her wide circle of friends at home and all around the world. A fearless traveler and voracious reader, she found peace in both far-flung adventures and the quiet moments spent nestled between the pages of a precious hardcover book.

Anne’s greatest joy in life was becoming a mother. After making a wish at Khecheopalri Lake in the Indian Himalayas, her wish came true with the arrival of her daughter, Genevieve Marie. Her life was focused on providing a secure and loving environment for Genevieve. She celebrated her daughter’s triumphs as if they were her own—she knew when to lift her up and when to let her grow on her own. Her maternal sacrifices were often invisible—woven into everyday acts of care. Anne’s lasting legacy will be her success in nurturing a beautiful young woman who is both courageous and kind.

Anne was preceded in death by her beloved father, Donald Forster, and her brother, Thomas Forster. She is survived by her devoted husband, Julian Hill; her cherished daughter, Genevieve Forster; her mother, Mary Brewer; her siblings: Rosemary Forster (Robert Stewart), Kathleen Whitcomb, Joan Yamauchi (Timothy), and John Forster (Denise); and a large extended loving family of cousins, nieces, nephews and life-long friends who will miss her deeply. To say she will be missed does not portray the brightness of her presence and the indelible mark with which Anne touched everyone’s lives. The world has lost an incredibly beautiful soul.

A Wake and Rosary will be held on August 12, 2025, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at DeVol Funeral Home, 2222 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on August 13, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Peter’s Church, 313 2nd St SE, Washington, DC 20003.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mary Washington Hospital Foundation’s Hospice Fund.