Mary M. Foley

1928 - 2010

Mary M. Foley obituary, 1928-2010, Great Falls, MT

BORN

1928

DIED

2010

FUNERAL HOME

O'Connor Funeral Home & Crematory

2425 8th Ave North

Great Falls, Montana

Mary Foley Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on May 31, 2010.

Mary (Lelek) Foley, 82, a former nurse, dean of students and vocational-technical instructor, died Friday at Peace Hospice after a long illness.
Her memorial service is 11 a.m. Saturday at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, followed by a reception at the church. Cremation has taken place under the direction of O'Connor Funeral Home.
Mary passed away Friday, May 28, 2010. She possessed an unparalleled love for life, as well as for others. She will be greatly missed by her family, former colleagues and numerous friends.
Mary was born March 29, 1928, in Wayne, Alberta, Canada. She was the second of eight children. Upon graduation from high school, she attended the University of Calgary, graduating with bachelor's degrees in nursing and psychology. Mary then continued her education at the University of St. Louis, Mo., graduating with honors with a master's degree in nursing.
She then moved to Great Falls, Mont., where she held many nursing positions at what was then known as Columbus Hospital. Mary also was the dean of students at the University of Great Falls for many years.
On Aug. 18, 1968, she married Cornelius "Con" Foley.
After adopting their son Stephan in 1975, Mary was a homemaker until 1980, when she obtained a position as a medical terminology and transcription instructor at the Great Falls Vo-Tech. Following a brief retirement in 1995, Mary went on to work for many years, up to her husband's death in 2008, as a night-shift charge nurse at both Missouri River Manor and Park Place nursing homes. Mary's devotion to her patients, as well as colleagues, was uncompromised, unsurpassed and absolute.
Mary had many loves, including collecting owls, reading, playing with and educating her grandchildren, gardening, listening to classical music and musicals and, most importantly, giving unconditionally to her family and friends. Mary's grandchildren were the light of her life, and her spirit will live through them.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Stephan and Effie Lelek; her brother Joe; and her beloved husband, Con.
Mary is survived by her son, Stephan Foley, his wife, Rebecca, and her beloved grandchildren Benny, Jexsen and Auzzlend; as well as her siblings, Bill, Olga, John, Mike, Theresa and David, all of Alberta, Canada.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the women and children's shelter at the Great Falls Rescue Mission, to ensure Mary's gift of love and knowledge will be personified for generations to come.
Condolences may be posted online at www.oconnorfuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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June 9, 2010

Stephan Foley

To all those who took time to share such kind words and memories of my mom, Mary Foley,
As a nurse, my mom's committment to treating each and every patient with the absolute best and individualized care she was capable of, was her Mantra. Each patient was not a patient. He or she was an indiviual who was loved, respected, and in need. My mom met each of those needs--her Mantra she never compromised!
As a teacher, my mom was not just a teacher of Medical Terminolgy and Transcription, she was a teacher of life, of how to be the best person one can, and a teacher of how to be an inherently good human being. I often remember mom talking about the feelings of accomplishment and success when a student would get the, "I get it!" look in their eye.
My mom was the absolute best person I have ever known--I am so lucky to have been adopted by my parents.
My mom's Faith in God was unwavering and uncompromised. My mom worked daily to personify His Goodness, as best we, as humans, are capable of.
I know my mom appreicates the role each of you played in her life--no matter how large or small.
Bless each of you. Although I have not met many of you who have posted, I consider each of you my friend.
Thoughtfully,

Stephan Foley (Mary's Son)
Rebecca Foley (Stephan's Wife)
Benny Miller (Grandson--11)
Jexsen Foley (Grandson--5)
Auzzlend Foley (Grandson--3)

June 7, 2010

Jodene Antonson

To the Family of Mrs. Foley,
I had the pleasure of being one of Mary's students at the College of Technology more than 20 years ago. She was my favorite instructor and I learned so much from her. She was a great lady. I was sad to hear of her passing. I know her memory will live on through the many students she taught, friends she made, and of course her beloved family.

June 7, 2010

Dear Family of Mary,
Roger and I attending the very loving memorial on Saturday and regret that we had to return to Helena immediately following it.
I want to tell you how Mary helped us in 1968. We had no insurance and were barely surviving, and I was pregnant. Our baby was due in November. In August, my blood pressure soared and the doctor ordered total bed rest in a hospital until they could safely induce labor. We couldn’t even imagine being able to pay the hospital bills. Instead, Mary visited every day and took my blood pressure at home. She was so kind and cheerful and optimistic. Our daughter Jennifer was born in October, and Mary and Con were proxy godparents for her Baptism. I will try to find some pictures for you. Thanks to Mary, both Jennifer and I were healthy as soon as she was born. She is now a vibrant mother of two, marathon runner, and great role model for her two younger sisters.
We share your joy in Mary's life and your sorrow in her passing.
Roger and Judy Snow

June 5, 2010

Those Who Loved Mary: At this time of your loss may you feel God's comfort and care as He surrounds you with His tender mercies. You are in our prayers.
Calvary Chapel of Great Falls
Matthew 5:4

June 4, 2010

Theresa Robinson

My Condolences to Mary's family for their loss of such a kind and beautiful lady, I meet when she worked at Park Place Health Care Center and always found her to be a very giving person. I am saddened by her passing.

June 4, 2010

Kim Schildt

Stephan and family

Mary was my mentor,hero,and friend. She encouraged me to be all I could be in life. My heart is heavy filled with sadness of my friends' passing. Mary was one of those people you here others talk about, one in a million, and if your lucky that one in a million will touch you. Mary was and is a true child of GOD. God Bless

June 3, 2010

Jason Haney

I can't think of enough kind words to describe Mary. She holds a special place in my heart for sure. My thoughts are with her family - especially you Stephan.

June 3, 2010

Debbie South

I have wonderful memories of this kind and gentle woman. Mary was my instructor in the Medical Assistant Program. She instilled in me her love and passion for medicine; so much so that I have gone on to become a nurse. When last I spoke to Mary, I told her she was the reason I became a nurse.

Stephan, you were the light of her life. If ever we needed a break in a class Mary was teaching, we would bring your name into the conversation. Her eyes would light up and for a little while she would indulge us in her private stories of you.

I will miss this wonderful woman who made such an impact on my life.

June 3, 2010

Kim Haney Prevett

I am so sad to hear of Mary's passing. She was such a wonderful person. So soft spoken. She will be truly missed.

Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results

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Funeral services provided by:

O'Connor Funeral Home & Crematory

2425 8th Ave North, Great Falls, MT 59401

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