The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

On August 23, Sylvia Faye Foster left earth when God called her home to enter her rest and joy with her Savior Christ Jesus. Her family was at her side when she peacefully passed away after suffering a long journey with Parkinson’s disease. Sylvia was 89 years old and a two-time cancer survivor. She will be forever missed by her family and by the community of Camp Sherman.

Sylvia was born on May 2, 1933, in Camas, Washington, the oldest of three siblings. Sylvia and her family moved to Bend, Oregon in 1947. She met her future husband, Leon Foster, in Bend High School. She married her sweetheart Leon on November 29, 1950, living together for 71 fruitful years. Five children were born to Sylvia and Leon; Leon (Jr), Mark, Susan, David, and Jeff.

One of Sylvia and Leon’s earliest jobs in the 1950s was with the U.S. Forest Service as lookouts on Cache Mountain and Trout Creek Butte.

During the late 1950s, both Sylvia and Leon were employed at Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort from the time that Mt. Bachelor began its operations.

In 1965, they left Mt. Bachelor and began managing Hoodoo Ski Area at Santiam Pass until 1975.

In 1968, after the Hoodoo Lodge burned down, Leon and Sylvia moved to Camp Sherman, Oregon and purchased the Camp Sherman Cold Springs Summer Resort where they resided.

Leon and Sylvia sold Cold Springs Summer Resort in 1981 and went prospecting in California.

In 1990, they returned to Camp Sherman to assist their son Mark Foster operate the Camp Sherman House on Metolius Resort.

Sylvia loved to sew clothing for her family and enjoyed crocheting scarves, hats and slippers for folks. Her absolute favorite color was purple and she loved pansy flowers and rhododendrons. Sylvia delighted in singing the old gospel hymns at the Camp Sherman Chapel in the Pines. Both Leon and Sylvia enjoyed spending winters in Arizona where they prospected for gold as a hobby. Husband Leon lovingly says, “She made life work well.”

Sylvia was preceded in death by her son David Foster; grandson Tyler; brother Jim McLean; and by her parents, Cora and Sylvester McLean.

Sylvia is survived by her husband, Leon Foster; brother Lester McLean; children Leon Foster, Mark Foster, Susan Foster Stills, and Jeff Foster; 10 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandson; as well as numerous step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Eden Miller of Bend, formerly of High Lakes Heath Care of Sisters, and the staff from Partners in Care Hospice House in Bend, who tenderly and compassionately provided care for Sylvia.

Sylvia was a kind-hearted, thoughtful soul who touched countless people. She will live on in our hearts and cherished memories.

A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at The Chapel in the Pines in Camp Sherman on Saturday, September 17, at 2 p.m., with Mark Foster officiating.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The Chapel in the Pines, 25767 SW Suttle Sherman Road in Camp Sherman.