Dr Foskey from Cabanandra is well known in the Tubbut neighbourhood for her work as a campaigner for the formation of a number of national parks including Errinundra and Snowy River National Parks and her re-entry into politics running as Greens candidate for the seat of East Gippsland in the state and federal elections.

During her life Dr Foskey faced some tough times including the death of her teenage son, bushfires, the loss of her home and last year she was diagnosed with lung cancer.

On Friday morning Dr Foskey suddenly passed away leaving behind two daughters Eleni and Samara who said they thought they would have some time with her.

In a post on Facebook her daughter Eleni posted, "This morning our wonderful powerhouse mother Deb Foskey abruptly left her body and us behind for another place. Samara and I are left reeling but are comforted to know she had a nurse with her, and she was conscious, aware and very ready.

"After being helped back into bed she calmly told the nurse 'I'm just about ready now' before taking her final breathe."

The post went on to say that the sisters were devastated because they couldn't be there with her because 'someone thought it was worthy testing for COVID-19' and Deb was placed in two days isolation.

On Thursday night the coronavirus test returned a negative result with the sisters saying they were comforted knowing she had nurses and some physical human contact during at the time of her passing.

"We are so proud and grateful to have been your lucky daughters and know that you had to say goodbye to us to be with your beloved son Bran who you have been separated from for 34 years. We know the two of you are having a beautiful reunion and that he will look after you."