Despina Foster

Despina Foster

October 17, 1937 – January 9, 2025

TRISAGION (Prayer Service): Wednesday, January 15, 2025, 6:30PM, at the West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha with VISITATION from 5:00-6:30PM.

FUNERAL SERVICE:  Thursday, January 16, 2025, 10:00AM, St. John Greek Orthodox Church, 602 Park Avenue, Omaha.

INTERMENT AND GRAVESIDE SERVICE: Thursday, January 16, 12:30PM, Omaha National Cemetery, 14250 Schram Road, Omaha.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to All Holy Spirit Greek Orthodox Church and St. John’s Greek Orthodox Church.

To view live broadcasts of the Services, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.

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It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Despina Foster on January 9, 2025 at the age of 87. Despina was born October 17, 1937 near the Black Sea in Keslerovo, Russia to Joseph and Sophia Seferidis. Of Pontian Greek descent, the family immigrated to the island of Crete, Greece in 1941 after Joseph Seferidis was released from a Russian gulag for not agreeing to collective farming. Soon after arriving in Crete, the Germans occupied the island during World War II. Eventually, Despina and her family survived and moved to mainland Greece near Athens.

Despina met her beloved husband Richard “Joe” Foster in Athens during 1964. They were married for 53 years until Joe’s passing in 2017. They lived in Greece for most years and also lived briefly in Turkey and California while Joe was serving in the Air Force.  Despina loved to travel to other countries and learn about their culture. She also spent some time volunteering for the Red Cross. She had a great love for swimming all her life. Despina and Joe made their home in Nebraska for over the last 20 years. Despina was a devout member of All Holy Spirit Greek Orthodox Church and also attended St. John’s Greek Orthodox church. She loved her church family and spending time with members, neighbors and her friends. She had a special place in her heart and loved associating with the children of her acquaintances.

Despina is preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Sophia Seferidis; sisters Koula Zisis and Maria Houliara; and her brother Christos Seferidis. She is survived by her sister, Parthana Smith and nieces; Sofia Kontogianni, Anthi Pappadimitriou, Aleka Houliara, Julie Smith, Diane Smith and Linda Smith and also her nephews, Dimitris Zisis and Vassilis Houliara along with her godson, Yianni Walker and goddaughter Maria Despina Korkidi.  

Despina’s health declined over the last few years, but she had many friends and neighbors that spent time with her and helped her in many ways. She loved her family, friends and neighbors and she was much loved. We are also grateful for the care she received from the wonderful staff at Miles Memory Care during the last few months of her life. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to All Holy Spirit Greek Orthodox Church and/or St. John’s Greek Orthodox Church.