Bonnie Rae Thomas Foster of Sugarloaf Shores, Florida — known locally for her artistic talents — died on Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2017. She was 75.

“Bonnie’s singular passion in life as a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother was the care and wellbeing of her family. All else was secondary,” her family wrote in a tribute.

Her pastimes centered on her creative talents in pottery, oil and watercolor painting, fashioning jewelry, and quilting. She was a founding member of Locust Knoll Artisans, a group of craftspeople who produced works of art in a variety of mediums. An exhibit of their pieces was held annually for four decades at Locust Knoll in New Scotland.

She was born June 4, 1942, and raised in Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec, Canada, the daughter of the late Donald and Dorathea Thomas. She was a graduate of the Royal Victoria Hospital School of Nursing in Montreal, Quebec, and Russell Sage College in Troy.

“Bonnie loved to travel worldwide with family and friends,” her family wrote. “Aside from numerous trips throughout North America, she visited all the other continents, including a memorable trip to Antarctica. She particularly enjoyed meeting the people and experiencing the cultures of Europe and Asia. Much of her artwork was inspired by encounters on these trips.”

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Bonnie Rae Thomas Foster is survived by her husband, Eric D. Foster, M.D., with whom she celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on July 4, 2016. She is survived by her children: Gardner H. Foster and his wife, Connie; Kristen V. Foster; Lea T. Warden and her husband, Tim; and Ryan J. Foster and his wife, Melissa; as well as her beloved grandchildren, Zackary, Joshua, Evelyn, Jack, Jameson, and Collins.

In addition, she is survived by her brother, Donald Thomas Jr. of Ottawa, by her maternal aunt, Ollie Gilker of Toronto; and by her cousins, a nephew, and  niece.

The family expresses their gratitude to the staff of the Women’s Cancer Center and St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany, New York; and to the staff at 21st Century Oncology and Lower Keys Medical Center in Key West, Florida, for their compassionate care during Bonnie’s illness. The support from The Community Hospice was deeply appreciated.

At her request, no services are scheduled. A celebration of life and memorial event will be held at the family’s convenience at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Alliance, Post Office Box 32141, New York, NY  10087-2141; or to Save the Children, 501 Kings Highway East, Suite 400, Fairfield, CT  0682