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Mary Foley
MARY JOAN FOLEY
Iowa City
Mary Joan Foley died Monday, March 1, 2021, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.
She was born Aug. 14, 1935, in Chicago, Ill., to William and Catherine McTigue, who immigrated to the United States from Ireland. She attended grammar, high school and college in Chicago. She excelled in English and math.
She married Walter Foley on May 31, 1956, and had six children, Jeanne, Cathy (Thomas Byrne), Joannie, Thomas (Dana Drape), Michael (Mari Power, and Megan (Jamie Nicpon). Walter and she moved to Iowa City in 1965, and they considered Iowa City to be their home. She had 10 grandchildren: Ryan, Catie, Tyler, McKenzie, Ethan, Molly, Joanie, Daniel, Connor and Grace.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter; her parents, William and Catherine; her sister, Patricia; and her daughter, Joanie.
She was an avid golfer, reader and bridge player. She enjoyed watching her children and grandchildren play sports. Walter was a full professor at the University of Iowa College of Education, and she was involved in many University of Iowa clubs and activities. She remained an enthusiastic Iowa Hawkeye fan until her death.
She was a committed member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and an active part of the Regina community. She cherished her Irish roots and, over the years, became a strong feminist. Her family and her religion were the two most important things to her. She loved being with people, and she believed it was a sin to speak ill of anyone. She was kind, graceful and the epitome of elegance.
The funeral Mass will begin at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 4, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Iowa City. (Social distancing guidelines are in place at the church and masks are required for all in attendance). A private burial will be held in St. Mary's Cemetery in Evergreen Park, Ill., at a later date. Instead of flowers and plants, the family suggests memorials to St. Mary's Church or the Regina Foundation. Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service in Iowa City is handling arrangements.
Thoughts may be shared with the family at www.lensingfuneral.com.
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