In Loving Memory of Zinda Kaye Dinish-Foster

God gave us Zinda Kaye Dinish-Foster for 68 years. A true daughter of Seattle, she was born on February 22, 1954 at King County Hospital to the late David Halbert and Gynell Marie Dinish. Zinda transitioned peacefully at home on November 26, 2022. Her memorial service will be held December 27, 2022, beginning at 11 AM, at First AME Church, 1522 14th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98112. Zinda was educated in the Seattle Public Schools. She graduated with honors from Garfield High School in 1972. She attended Whitman College and Western Washington State College, but received her baccalaureate from the University of Washington and her master’s degree from Seattle University.

Zinda was a talented athlete and student. As a young teen, she competed as a member of the CAYA team; she was a 3-time state high school track champion; and she excelled in ice and roller skating. She was an honor roll student, co-editor of her high school newspaper, and a varsity cheerleader. To every aspect of her volunteer and employment activities, Zinda brought her customary spirit of giving her best to achieve the most. As a volunteer for the Montlake and Garfield Community Centers, she coached track and was an active member of the board that oversaw the construction of the present day Garfield Community Center. Her gracious and focused parenting of her son, Jacobe, was noted by the staff members of Lakeside School where he was a student; and subsequently lead to her 25 year career at Lakeside, where she worked in admissions and advanced to become the Upper School Service Learning Coordinator. As a resident of the Central District (CD), Zinda was deeply connected to her community in the CD as well as her church, First AME. A fierce advocate for the educational opportunities Lakeside could provide, Zinda connected Black families to Lakeside and then looked after those students once they arrived on campus. She was a true bridge builder and connector. She retired from Lakeside in June 2022 and received the Willard J. Wright ’32 Distinguished Service Award, their highest honor. A true artist at heart, Zinda initially wanted to be an actress. This was realized in 1976 when she played a leading role in the Black Arts West production of “Tambourines to Glory”, written by Langston Hughes. She made all her own school clothes, her prom dress, and her wedding dress. Her artistic prowess led her to jewelry making and eventually - during a time of unbearable grief - to quilting. Zinda created some amazing and awe-inspiring quilts. Some of her quilts were showcased for the traveling Black Lives Matter Exhibit in Milwaukee, WI, the National African American Quilters Conference in St. Louis, MO, and in the fall of 2021, the Black Lives Matter Exhibit at Washington State University. Zinda’s love for God was evident in every aspect of her life. There was a seamless relationship between her church and biological families. Many of the church members were friends or acquaintances of her parents, classmates from school, and neighbors from her childhood community. She served with her whole heart and dearly loved her Pastor and church family. Zinda was predeceased by her beloved son Jacobe Daniel Foster; her brothers Ronald Scott and Donald Elwin (Umeme) Dinish; her parents David and Gynell Dinish; and her godparents Leroy and Anita Lewis. Her legacy of love and family lives on through her beloved husband of 47 years Donald Foster, her daughter-in-law and love, Michele Foster (nee Carter); her heartbeats, granddaughters Kiara, Camille, and Nya; her siblings Paul, Yvonne, Dominic, David (Mpenzi), Yvette, Yolanda (Lani), and Elaina (Tracy); a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, great nieces, great nephews and friends. Zinda will be greatly missed by all who knew her.