Former Portsmouth Mayor Passes Away

PORTSMOUTH, NH - Former Portsmouth Mayor Eileen Dondero Foley, who served eight terms, passed away this morning at her home at the age of 97, according to the New Hampshire Union Leader.

Foley was born on Feb. 27, 1918, and served three stints as mayor during the late 1960s and again in the early 1980s and then again, between 1988 and 1997, following in her mother, Mary Ellen Carey Dondero footsteps, who was the city’s first female mayor. She also served as a state Senator.

About this time three years ago, Foley was invited to the ribbon cutting for the new Memorial Bridge between Portsmouth and Maine just as she had been invited to cut the ribbon at the unveiling in 1923, and was pictured doing so as a little girl.

Political accolades came from both sides of the aisle honoring her commitment to public service and the community.

““Eileen Foley was beloved in Portsmouth and across the state,” said Gov. Maggie Hassan, D-NH. “Through her service in the Women’s Army Corps during World War II, her tenure as Portsmouth Mayor and her work in the state Senate, she reflected the spirit of public service that makes our state as strong as Granite, and she is an important figure in our history of female leadership in New Hampshire. Tom and I send our thoughts and prayers to her family and loved ones, and we join the Portsmouth community and people across the state in mourning her loss.”

U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte, R-NH, also noted her accomplishments and said she would be greatly missed.

“Eileen Dondero Foley was a devoted public servant who was truly beloved by the people of Portsmouth,” she said. “Her many contributions will leave an enduring legacy for years to come, and she will be greatly missed by all those whose lives she touched. I extend my thoughts and prayers to her family and friends during this time.”

U.S. Rep. Ann McLane Kuster, D-NH, called her one of the state’s finest public servants.

“Throughout her eight terms as city mayor, Eileen worked tirelessly to foster tourism and economic growth and inspired countless individuals with her unwavering dedication to public service,” she said. “My thoughts remain with Eileen’s family as we mourn her loss and celebrate her enduring impact on the city of Portsmouth.”

NHDP Chairman Raymond Buckley added,

“Eileen’s entire life was dedicated to her community, her family and her faith. She was a caring friend and trusted mentor to me and many in the New Hampshire Democratic Party. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family and loved ones. She will be greatly missed.”

Read the full report at UnionLeader.com.