WESTERLO — Ottilie Dorothea Foglio, a nurse who pursued art, died peacefully on Sunday evening, Feb. 25, 2024, in her home on Lake Onderdonk.

She was born on Aug. 2, 1929 in New York City to Johanna and Ernst Thiesing, and graduated from Evander High School in 1947 at which time she was awarded The Alexander Award for Fine Art.

“She refused a two-year scholarship in art at Finch Junior College, instead entering Mount Vernon Hospital School of Nursing and receiving her registered nursing degree in 1950,” her family wrote in a tribute. “Ott worked as an R.N. in obstetrics and medicine.

“She married Philip Foglio in 1953 and continued working, residing in Hartsdale when their children were born. Ott was active in volunteer work for church and BOCES programs.

“After her husband passed in 1979, she worked part-time and returned to college to pursue art. Ott relocated permanently in 1982 to her summer home on Lake Onderdonk.

“She traveled New York state, working with the mentally disabled in various situations, returning to semi-retire at the lake at age 81. Pursuing her nursing, Ott did home nursing part-time until 2014. Now fully retired, her interest returned to her artwork.

“Ott’s attitude about life: “It’s an adventure — try what interests you — you’ll even learn the best lessons from your mistakes!”

****

Ottilie Dorothea Foglio is survived by her children, Phil Foglio and his wife, Kaja; Carol Foglio; and Laura Foglio and her husband, Arne Dalland.

She is also survived by her grandchildren, Thomas Foglio and his wife, Becky; Garrett Slingerland and his significant other, Samantha Keyer; Scott Slingerland and his wife, Savannah; Victor Foglio; and Alex Foglio. And, she is survived by her great-grandchildren, Lola Foglio, Serena Foglio, Fox Foglio, and Emyric Keyer.

Calling hours will be Friday, March 1, from 1 until 7 p.m. at A.J. Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 State Route 81, Greenville. The funeral will begin on Saturday, March 2, at 9 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will take place on Saturday at 1 p.m. in Ferncliff Cemetery in Hartsdale.

Memorial contributions will be made to Wounded Warriors Family Support, 11218 John Galt Blvd, Suite 103, Omaha NE  68137; to Tunnels to Towers Foundation, 261 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island NY  10306; or to The Mouth and Foot Painting Artists, M.F.P.A Inc., 2070 Peachtree Ct., Atlanta, GA  30341.