Loved Ones Remember Beloved Wagoner County Nurse Who Died From COVID-19

Friends and family are remembering the life of a Wagoner County nurse who died from COVID-19.

Toni Fossett worked at the Wagoner Community hospital for nearly 25 years and was beloved by the community.

Her family and friends said she was known for her loud and contagious laugh and she would do anything to help those in need.

"They always felt safe when they came and she was the nurse, and she could make a bad situation feel not so bad with her laughter," said Cindy Jarrett. 

Fossett and Jarrett were best friends for 45 years. They raised kids together and worked side by side in the Wagoner Community Hospital emergency room.

Jarrett said Fossett was the kind of person who would do anything to help anyone. 

"If someone she knew was having a hard time, she'd just show up, there's a million stories out there, but she never wanted recognition," she said. 

Jarrett said Fossett got sick with COVID-19 in January. After three weeks on a ventilator, she passed away. Jarrett said COVID took a bright light from this world, and Fossett will be remembered for being joyful and her loud laugh. 

"Her laugh is something, if you ask anybody about her, they'll bring up her laugh," she said. 

Jarrett said it's horrifying to lose someone to COVID-19 and wants to urge people to still take precautions. She said Fossett loved her friends and family unconditionally and it's heartbreaking she's gone. 

"It's for real. Just take it serious. It may not kill you, but it could kill someone you care about," she said. 

Jarrett said she will carry on Fossett’s legacy by being joyful every day and helping others.