Dorothy Laurene Foster

Dorothy Laurene Foster, 81, Topeka, KS, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on October 2, 2024. She was born to John and Ruth Foster on October 21, 1942, in Denver, Colorado.

She is survived by her children, Ginger (Duke) Dougan and Randy (Heidi) Bradford, daughter-in-law, Connie Bradford, three grandsons, and several great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, son Rodney Bradford, brothers Robert (Bob) Foster and John William Foster, and sister, Shirley Larsen.

Dorothy lived in Denver CO most of her life but moved to Topeka 23 years ago to live near her son and daughter. She worked in various industries and professions over the years including real estate, accounting and motel management.

Dorothy was an advocate for protecting nature and the environment and she had a passion for animals. Many dogs, and an occasional cat were a part of her family over the years. In previous years while in Colorado, she raised and showed German Shepherds. She enjoyed feeding the birds and squirrels that visited her yard and enjoyed watching them and other furry friends that made a home in her yard. She was a remarkable artist whose work reflected the beauty she found in the world. Dorothy was a member of the Topeka Art Guild and had been involved in various artists groups in Denver before moving to Topeka.

Dorothy showed her quiet sense of humor and continued to be kind to others, even through adversity and her courageous battle with lung cancer. She decided many years ago to donate her body to science. Her eyes were donated to Saving Sight, Wichita, KS, and her body was donated to KU Med Center. KU Med Center will cremate her when finished and return her remains to the family.

No services are planned at this time, but a celebration of life may be planned at a later date.