QUEENSBURY - Deloris Loretta Foote, a cherished matriarch and beloved friend, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at her home in Queensbury, New York, at the age of 89.

Born in the quaint town of Erickson, Manitoba, Canada, Deloris was the embodiment of resilience and grace. Her early years were marked by great sorrow, but her determination and strength shone through. After nine years of marriage, she lost her first husband in a tragic accident and became a single parent to four young boys. With unwavering resolve and the support of her family, she moved across the country and re-enrolled in college, where she studied physical education at La Sierra College.

During a summer break, Deloris worked as the cook at Camp Cherokee, a youth camp in the Adirondacks, where she met Dr. Joseph Foote on a blind date. Their union in 1965 blended two families, bringing together eight children, and their family grew further with the birth of a ninth son and the adoption of a daughter.

Deloris was known for her boundless energy and joy through every season of life. Early on, while raising her large family, she taught gymnastics at the Seventh-day Adventist School in Kingsbury, NY, and enjoyed working on the social committee at church. As rearing a family began taking less of her time, her zest for life continued, and she took up downhill skiing alongside her younger children. Later on, she supported her husband in his medical practice, traveling weekly to a satellite office in Indian Lake after their youngest child left home to attend school.

Her love for cooking was legendary, and her kitchen was always filled with the aromas of freshly baked bread, homemade applesauce, granola, cinnamon roll sticky buns, pierogies, and borscht. She shared her culinary talents with her community through vegetarian cooking seminars and teaching ethnic dishes like curry and enchiladas. In addition to her culinary skills, Deloris was a talented seamstress who sewed clothes for her large family, including many dresses for her daughter. She also made quilts and teddy bears. With her creative mind, she enjoyed designing and making crafts to decorate her home for every season and occasion. A lover of nature, Deloris cultivated beautiful flower gardens and found joy in the vibrant colors. Music was a significant part of Deloris' life; she played the piano, had a beautiful singing voice, and was often asked to perform at weddings and special services. Her talent and love for music brought joy to many and left a lasting impression on those who heard her.

Deloris' home was a sanctuary of love and warmth, where she welcomed those in need. Whether it was church members' children attending the local church school or families between homes, her door was always open. She hosted numerous weekend marriage enrichment seminars which she described as her most cherished achievement. You could often find her playing games with family and friends during evening gatherings. Known for her playful spirit, Deloris was a bit of a prankster, delighting in dousing unsuspecting friends with water.

She was predeceased by her loving husbands, Pastor William Earl Schlunt and Joseph Harrison Benjamin Foote MD; parents, James Hudson Zachary and Viva Margaret (Smith) Zachary; stepson, Ronald Eric Foote; grandson, Kendall Jeffrey Foote; sister, Doreen Zachary Yuen; and brother, James Hudson Zachary, Jr.

Deloris is survived by her 9 children: William D. (Janice) of Moab, UT, Dr. David L. (Debra) of Fort Ann, NY, Kevin A. (Lynnette) of Cleveland, TN, Jeffrey C. (Laura) of Longwood, FL, William E. (Abby) of Norman, OK, John Z. (Bonnie) of Fort Ann, NY, Robert J. (Nancy) of Gansevoort, NY, Joseph H. B. (Jenifer) of Cheney, WA, and Jodi J. (Michael Boyd) of Ooltewah, TN; and sisters, Myrtle Agnes Tomczek and Arnetta Viva Innocent. She is also survived by numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Camp Cherokee, 433 Gilpin Bay, Saranac Lake, NY 12983.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 28, 2025, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Baker Funeral Home, 11 Lafayette St., Queensbury, NY 12804.

A memorial service will immediately follow at 3 p.m. at the funeral home, with the Rev. Clarence Thomas officiating. Guests are invited to spend additional time with the family following the memorial from 4 to 5 p.m.

Interment will take place at a later date in Indian Lake, NY.

Deloris' life was a testament to the power of love and perseverance. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Condolences may be sent directly to Baker Funeral Home or through www.bakerfuneralhome.com.