Annemarie Forster

It is with both joy and sadness we announce the passing of Annemarie Boehm-Forster, our beloved mother on October 16, 2022. Joy because she will now join our father, Arch Forster, the love of her life, and her parents, Fritz and Martha Boehm, in heaven; sadness because we have lost a truly kind-hearted soul who will be sorely missed.

Mom was born in Anaheim, California on September 21, 1924. Her early childhood was spent living with her sister, Lori, and their maternal grandmother in Germany from which her parents had emigrated. She returned to the United States when World War II was threatening. After completing Long Beach Poly High School, Mom traveled to St. Louis, Missouri to attend Gradwohl School of Medical Technology. It was in St. Louis that she met our father, a medical student at St. Louis University.

Mom and Dad were married in Andale, Kansas (Dad’s hometown) in 1946. After completion of Dad’s residency in St. Louis, they lived in Fairbanks, Alaska for two years while Dad served in the Air Force. Mom and Dad then moved to Long Beach where they raised a family of six children and made friends that lasted a lifetime. In addition to raising her family, Mom worked hard beside Dad to build a successful medical practice. They were members of Our Lady of Refuge and St. Joseph parishes.

Mom energetically and unselfishly gave back to the community she loved. She was an active member of many charitable and service organizations, but it was Ability First that captured both her imagination and her heart. Her dedication to Ability First was inspirational, and her affection for the friends she made there unquestionable.

Mom and Dad lived life to the fullest. They traveled extensively. Mom visited all seven continents, including Antarctica at age 84.They loved parties, and their home was always open to visitors. She made a mark everywhere she went. Over 700 condolences were received in the days after her passing.

Mom is survived by her children, Michael Forster, Rebecca Czuleger, Mark Forster, Beth Barnes, Brenda Mott and Bruce Forster. She will be mourned by her grandchildren Kathyrn Forster-Hoehn, Alex and Eric Czuleger, Megan O’Shea, Isabel, Annalise, and Jack Forster, Malia and Emma Barnes, and Carly, Griffin and Peyton Mott. She also has four great-grandchildren, Lily, Emily, and Jack Hoehn, and Greyson O’Shea. Mom also leaves behind her sister Lori Boehm-Reilly, cousin Renate Jones, and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial Mass will be celebrated Friday, November 18 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church at 6180 E. Willow in Long Beach. A reception will follow at The Grand located at 4101 E Willow in Long Beach. Annemarie will be buried in a private ceremony before the memorial Mass. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Ability First, 3770 E. Willow, Long Beach, CA 90815.

Luyben Dilday Mortuary (562) 425-6401