Katharine Sylvia Foster

Katharine Sylvia Foster; devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and educator, passed away peacefully July 18, 2022.

Katharine was born January 14, 1943, to Louis and Isabelle (Chapman) Moody in West Palm Beach, Florida. She often spoke of her idyllic childhood running barefoot between her house and those of her grandmother and great-aunts.

After graduating from Palm Beach High School in 1961, Katharine went on to attend Wesleyan College in Macon, Georgia before transferring to Florida State University where she graduated with a degree in Education in 1965. She later went on to earn a Master’s of Education from Florida Atlantic University and an Education Specialist degree from Nova Southern University.

Katharine’s passion for education was evident to all who knew her. She was that teacher. The one who read The Hobbit every year to her third-grade classes. The one full of smiles and hugs. The one who found just the right strategy to help every child learn. She took that passion to the district level in both Palm Beach County, Florida and DeKalb County, Georgia – coaching other educators to develop their skills in teaching reading and writing. Her career culminated as Assistant Principal at Huntley Hills Elementary School until her retirement in 2008.

Outside of the schoolhouse, Katharine loved to travel. Even in her later years, she kept notes of all the places and attractions she wanted to visit. She was a voracious reader, enjoyed live musical theatre when possible, and made the best cheesecake in the world. She was very active in several ministries at St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church including Stephen’s Ministry and coordinated the lay ministry until her heath began to decline.

But most of all, Katharine loved being a mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt. She showed her generous spirit in the little (and big) thoughtful, gifts, actions, and words she would bestow on those she loved. Family meant absolutely everything to her.

Katharine Foster is survived by her children Susan DeBay and Chip DeBay; daughter-in-law, Alicia Sorce DeBay; son-in-law, Marc Farley; grandchildren Max, Jake, and Isabelle Farley and Charlie DeBay; sisters Jan Moody Cayton and Kinsie Jones; brother-in-law Tommie Cayton; niece Lauren Cayton Boyd; ex-husband George DeBay; and many other dear friends and family.

A Memorial Service for the life of Katharine Foster will be held September 3, 2022 at 2:00 pm at St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church in Dunwoody, Georgia. Her ashes will be interred at a later date in West Palm Beach, Florida next to her parents.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church, to be used for Malachi’s Storehouse.