Beloved Community Spotlight

Dave and Kathy Foster have called Gonzales home for the past 44 years, ever since a career opportunity for Dave brought them to Louisiana.

Originally from the same small town in upstate New York, Dave and Kathy’s story spans decades and speaks to the power of timing, faith, and second chances. Although they knew each other growing up—Dave a year ahead in school—they never dated. After Kathy’s first marriage ended, a mutual friend reconnected them. The spark was immediate, and they’ve now been married for 50 years.

In the early years of their marriage, they lived in Brockport, New York, before moving to Indiana for Dave’s job. Eventually, Dave’s work with the U.S. Department of Agriculture brought them to Louisiana, where he was tasked with developing a Federal/State Market News program. It was this move that not only brought them to Gonzales but also led them to St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church—a place they visited soon after arriving and never left.

Dave retired after 12 years with the New York State Department of Agriculture and 30 years with USDA Livestock Market News. Kathy spent 17 years as a stay-at-home mom before serving 20 years in the Louisiana Secretary of State’s Accounting Department, supervising revenue and payables.

Together, they raised a family of four grown children and now enjoy the blessings of 12 grandchildren. Their life has been deeply rooted in faith. Dave, a lifelong Episcopalian, experienced a turning point in 1984 after attending a Cursillo retreat, which inspired him to live more fully by the first two commandments. Kathy, raised Catholic but not active in the church at the time of their marriage, found a deep connection within the Episcopal tradition and has grown spiritually through her years at St. Margaret’s.

To the Fosters, St. Margaret’s is more than a church—it’s a true family. They value its welcoming spirit, its diversity, and the way it nurtures individual spiritual journeys. Kathy says her time at St. Margaret’s has helped her develop a more intimate relationship with God and trust in Him completely.

In their free time, Dave enjoys anything related to agriculture, while Kathy loves reading, solving puzzles, trying new restaurants, and playing games or cards.

Asked how they hope to be remembered, Dave simply wants to be known as a loving, compassionate man who loved the Lord and strived to live as a good Christian. Kathy hopes to be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend—someone who led by example and cared deeply for others.