Lynn Foster

Lynn Ford Foster, a long-term Danville resident and public official, died January 2, 2016 surrounded by family at her home in New Orleans, Louisiana following a very brief, and very brave, battle with cancer. She was 66 years old. Lynn Elizabeth Randle Ford, the daughter of an Air Force officer and a homemaker, was born in Tokyo, Japan on May 21, 1949. She graduated from Folsom High School in Folsom, California in 1967, and studied thereafter at Purdue University. She moved to Danville after college, and worked for many years as a travel agent and agency manager. In 1986 she met and married David Foster, and with his encouragement began a life of politics and public service in Vermilion County that continued for almost 30 years. The Fosters were nearly inseparable both on the campaign trail and in every other aspect of their life together. Like her husband, Mrs. Foster was a ferocious supporter of the Democratic Party and a tireless advocate for the rights of everyday citizens. In 1990 she became the first woman ever to be elected as Vermilion County Clerk. In addition to being elected six times to that office, Mrs. Foster served on the boards of the Breakfast Kiwanis, CRIS Senior Services, the Westville Senior Center, the Danville Area Food Pantry, and Catholic Charities. She was also a Central Committeeperson for the Illinois Democratic Party and a delegate to the Democratic National Convention. Her husband's sudden death in early 2014 was a shock from which Mrs. Foster never fully recovered. After narrowly losing her 2014 reelection bid she retired from politics, and in May, 2015 moved to New Orleans to be close to her daughter Nicole Foster and young grandson, David. She was the ideal grandmother, devoting countless hours to her grandson and seeming to delight in each and every minute she had with him. She was never happier than when she was playing with "baby David." But her time with him was cut short; she was diagnosed with cancer in September, 2015, and died four months later. In addition to her many other accomplishments, Mrs. Foster was also an extraordinary cook whose baked goods were the stuff of legend to anyone fortunate enough to ever spend a holiday with her or be treated to a plate of her intricate Christmas cookies. In her hands, pie plates and rolling pins became the tools of an artist. She loved to cook for a crowd, and used great food as a kind of glue to bring family and friends together. She was a devoted wife, a wise and affectionate mother, stepmother, and grandmother, a beloved sister, sister-in-law, daughter and aunt, a great boss, a caring neighbor, and the kind of public servant others look to for inspiration. Mrs. Foster is survived by her daughter Nicole and grandson David Gregg Ford Foster; siblings Alex Ford, Pamela Lipps, Paul Ford, and Jacklyn Ford; stepchildren Lee Gregg Foster and Decema Foster-Howe; and the many friends and family who loved her. A memorial service will be held at the Sunset Funeral Home in Danville on March 26, 2016 at 1 o'clock, followed by a reception at the Gao Grotto starting at approximately 2:00 pm, at which some of Mrs. Foster's favorite recipes will be served. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made in Mrs. Foster's memory to the Eastern Illinois Shrine Club.