Josie Kalbacher, 57

Josie Kalbacher of Springs-Fireplace Road in Springs, who spent her final days surrounded by friends and family, died at home on Sept. 29 from the complications of brain cancer, which had been diagnosed three years ago. She was 57.

Ms. Kalbacher was born in Bayport on March 21, 1960, one of three children of Patrick and Joan Smith, who survive. She graduated from Bayport High School in 1978.

Her family said she loved the ocean, both in East Hampton and at the family home in Puerto Rico. She also enjoyed long bike rides to Montauk with her husband of 27 years, John Kalbacher, who survives, as well as skiing with her family in Vermont. They said her “laughter was infectious,” and would “normally be preceded by a devilish twinkle in her eyes.”

Ms. Kalbacher was known as a “phenomenal cook whose sumptuous meals were the bedrock” of their holiday gatherings, and a “gifted gardener,” who “could turn any barren space into . . . glorious colors and beautiful plants in perfect harmony,” her family said.

In addition to the “unconditional love with which she nurtured and guided” her sons, she loved the creatures “who were lucky enough to wander into her welcoming home,” they said. She also was a committed friend, who often could be seen at the East Hampton Library, and “a shining example to others of how to live . . . could find beauty in the brutal, light in the darkest moments, and laughter through the tears.” 

In addition to her parents and husband, her sons, Kelly Kalbacher of East Hampton and Colton Kalbacher of Boulder, survive, as do a brother, Patrick Smith of Destin, Fla., and a sister, Donna Smith of Pismo Beach, Calif. 

On Saturday, from 1 to 5 p.m., the family will welcome visitors at the Yardley and Pino Funeral Home in East Hampton. A reading and service will be held there at 3. Ms. Kalbacher was cremated. The family has suggested memorial donations to the Defeat GBM Research Collaborative of the National Brain Tumor Society, 55 Chapel Street, Suite 200, Newton, Mass. 02458.