Theresa Foerster was born on May 2, 1862 in the German-speaking town of Niemes, Bohemia, Austria-Hungary. Today the town is called Mimon;, in the Liberec Region of the Czech Republic. Her parents were Anton Foerster(died 1895) and Josefa Oclear(died 1896).

In the early 1880s the family immigrated to the United States and settled in Wisconsin, (both her parents were buried in Kaukauna, Wisconsin).

In October 1884, Theresa married Joseph Rusitshka in Ripon, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. Joseph was also a German-speaking Bohemian immigrant. They had 9 children. Later they moved to Wilbur, Washington and then to Clark Fork, Idaho, where they resided for many years.

Due to complications with the post office about spelling and pronouncing the family name 'Rusitshka', they simplified their last name to 'Foster'.

Around 1925, when Theresa and Joseph were old, their youngest son Joseph Foster moved them to Los Angeles, where he was working, to care for them.

Theresa Foster died on June 16, 1942 in Montebello, Los Angeles. Most likely she was buried at Rose Hills Memorial Park, but so far records are lacking.
(Courtesy of Kirk Haggerty #48722189)

California, Death Index, 1940-1997
Name: Theresa Foster
[Theresa Foerster]
Gender: Female
Birth Date: 2 May 1862
Birth Place: Other Country
Death Date: 16 Jun 1942
Death Place: Los Angeles
Mother's Maiden Name: Oclear
Father's Surname: Foerster

The children of Joseph and Theresa Rusitshka Foster are:

Linda Rusitshka Johnson (1885-1923)
Teressa (Racy) Rusitshka (1887-?)
Albin Edward Foster (1889-1960)
Freda Rusitshka Guthrie (1891-1993)
Walter Anthony Foster (1892-1967)
Tillie Rusitska Ruen (1893-1992)
Emma Rusitshka Morris (1895-1992)
Louis George Foster (1897-1953)
Joseph Austin Foster (1903-1992)

Joe and Theresa lived their finall years at 1238 Bonnie Beach Place in East Los Angeles, so most likely when they died they were buried at Evergreen Cemetery. (Kirk Haggerty)