Nancy Elizabeth Long Foster, 87, wife, mother, and healer, passed away after a brief illness on June 27th, 2024. Beloved mother of 3 children (Emily, Rachael, & David), her loss is felt by all those who had the privilege to know and to love her.
Born Jan 12, 1937 to Odris Vincent Long and Hattie Mae Bullard in South Charleston, West Virginia. Nancy enjoyed a life full of curiosity and discovery.
Nancy was a lifelong learner always studying, questioning, and seeking answers. She earned multiple degrees, including a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Ohio State University, a Masters in Psychiatric Nursing from Brigham Young University, and Doctorates in Philosophy and Psychology from Southwestern University.
Nancy was honored to serve in the United States Air Force as a Flight Nurse during the Vietnam War, reaching the rank of Captain. She always demonstrated a sincere gratitude towards her country and an appreciation for all those who serve.
Healing and medicine were a large part of Nancy’s identity and heritage. She began her education at the feet of her Cherokee grandmother who instilled many values and life lessons. She went on to excel as a nurse, ultimately becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner. She treated the complete person: mind, body, and soul. She found joy working long hours serving her patients and even caring for others until her final days.
After researching the worlds religions, Nancy choose to be baptized as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Her Judeo-Christian roots gave her a strong appreciation and respect for all religions. She found deep love and peace serving in the LDS temple with her husband Eric.
Nancy met Eric Foster her eternal sweetheart at Liberty Park in Salt Lake City in the fall of 1972. They were married a few months later on January 8, 1973 in the Salt Lake Temple.
Nancy’s greatest joy in life was being a mother. She was never satisfied to just watch her children play; instead, she helped them create experiences and participated in their adventures.
Nancy was an artist at heart. She loved music, dancing, painting, and sculpting. She always sought to make the world a better place by seeing the best in others.
Nancy is preceded in death by her parents, Odris and Hattie. She is survived by her husband Eric Foster, Daughters Emily Redstone (Grant) and Rachel Kirkwood (Corey d), and son David Foster (Christine) and her 9 grandchildren: Jackson, Simon, Violet, James, Clara Bella, Alice, Abraham, Winston, Hazel, and god-granddaughters Savannah and Alex.
Funeral services and viewings will be held at the Crystal Heights Ward House: 1970 East, Stratford Avenue. Viewings will be held Sunday, July 7th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm and July 8th from 9:30am to 10:45am. Funeral services will be held July 8th at 11:00am.
Nancy wanted everyone to be made whole and know they were loved.
In lieu of flowers, please do something kind for someone in need.