Long-time Shrewsbury Resident Dies

Eleanor M. (Kelley) Foley, of Shrewsbury, died Tuesday, May 1 with her family gathered by her side. She was 84.

Born on May 27, 1927 in Cambridge, she was a daughter of the late Edward and Catherine (Donovan) Kelley. She was a graduate of Cambridge High and Latin where she met her high school sweetheart, Raymond J. Foley. They married on August 27, 1949 in Saint John the Evangelist Church in North Cambridge and moved to Shrewsbury in 1956.

Eleanor stayed at home to raise her seven children. After the children were grown she developed a passion for exercise and fitness. At the age of 50 she learned how to swim through her membership at the Greendale YMCA and later became a swim instructor. With the passion only a runner has, she ran and completed two Boston Marathons and competed in several triathlons. She put love into everything she did. Eleanor was a phenomenal cook and her Thanksgiving feasts were unforgettable and her desserts legendary. Gracious, sweet and gentle, she simply adored her grandchildren. She and Ray loved to dance.

When he died on October 16, 2009 she would tell her children that she still dances with him in her heart. They are now reunited in an eternal dance. While Eleanor's family and friends are saddened at her passing, they are at the same time grateful for the memory of her beautiful life and blessed by her example. She will live forever in the hearts of those she loved and who loved her.

In addition to her husband of 60 years, Ray, she is predeceased by her first grandchild, Kaitlin; her brothers, "Buzz", Gene, and John Kelly, and her sisters Betty, Mildred, and Rosemary.

She leaves her children, Dean R. Foley and his wife, Susan, of Easton, CT, Scott E. Foley and his wife, Christine, of Shrewsbury, Beth E. Foley and her husband, John Hernandez, of Smithfield, UT, Joan F. Foley of Phoenix, AZ, R.J. Foley and his wife, Lisa, of Shrewsbury, Bob F. Foley and his wife, Marilee, of Chula Vista, CA and Christopher J. Foley of Shrewsbury; her grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Nicky, Leah, Taylor, Justin, Alexa, Matthew, Cara, Sophia, Andrew, Michael, Kaylee, Scotty, and Ashley; her siblings, Joan Hannon of Cambridge, Patsy White of Weston, Frank E. Kelley of Sarasota, Florida and Fran Varriale of Weston; her lifelong friend Alice Falcone, and many nieces & nephews.

Family and friends will honor and remember Eleanor's life by gathering for calling hours at , 5 Church Rd., On the Common, Shrewsbury Center on Sunday, May 6 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and again at 8:45 a.m. on Monday morning before leaving in procession to , 640 Main St., Shrewsbury, where her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Mountain View Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers you may honor Eleanor's memory with a contribution to the Eleanor M. Foley "Spirit of Service" Scholarship, Dean's Office, 2800 Old Main Hill, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322.

To view Eleanor's online tribute, share a memory or offer a condolence please visit www.healdchiampa.com.