Laura L. (Smedley) Foster

Laura L. Smedley Foster, 75, of South Bend, passed into eternal life on the afternoon of Friday, June 6, 2025, at Memorial Hospital with her loving husband by her side.

Laura was born on April 2, 1950, in South Bend, to the late C. Michael and Hope L. (Marvin) Smedley.  She graduated from Clay High School in 1968 and remained a lifelong area resident.  On January 17, 1998, in South Bend, she married the love of her life, Paul Foster. 

Laura was a beacon of light to those around her. She held numerous jobs over her long working life, including a production supervisor at Goodwill Industries, Notre Dame bookstore, and a purchasing agent for Uniroyal in Mishawaka. She kept the home fires burning while her husband Paul was off serving Army duty in Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina, for a year in Iraq, and other places. After retirement, she found joy and relaxation being a homemaker, spending time in the yard feeding the squirrels and taking care of her yard full of flowers.

Laura is survived by her husband, Paul Foster, of South Bend, her sister Roberta “Dooner” Smedley, of South Bend, and by her loving nephew, Michael S. Smedley, of South Bend ("the son she never had"). She is also survived by her stepson, Christopher A. Foster and his wife Tava of Nokesville, Virginia and by her three special grandchildren, and by her brothers-in-law Allen and Earl Foster.

Laura was preceded in death by her brother, William Simpson, Jr.

The family is following Laura’s wishes to be cremated with no service.  In honor of Laura’s life, memorial contributions may be made to the Pet Refuge, Inc, 4626 S. Burnett Drive, South Bend, IN 46614.

The HANLEY and Sons Funeral Home “Southwest Chapel” and Cremation Service is handling arrangements and extends our deepest sympathy and heartfelt prayers to all of Laura’s family and friends.

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