Obituary of Gwendolyn Isabel Foley

Gwendolyn “Gwen” Isabel Foley, age 95, passed away in her sleep on August 24, 2020 in Heart of The Valley, Middleton. Previous addresses include Orchard Villa, Berwick, Edgehill Estates & Manor, Windsor, for 55 years lived in Spryfield, at 19 Lewis St. Born in St. John, NB., daughter of the late Prior Belle Morrisey and William Morrisey.

She joined the IOOF, Rebekah/Oddfellows Lodges in 1945 as well as the United Church in Spryfield and remained a member of all three until her passing. She in her capacity as a Rebekah stayed true to the Lodges purpose and that was to help the community and residents in need. Folks still remember her as the Lady at the door of the Saturday Record Hops that she and her husband Jim and key members of the Lodge ran from 1961 - 1964, while her sons were in High School. Her home welcomed many a teenage friend of her sons where they enjoyed the safety of disciplined fun home but also her involvement in many games, pool, darts, table tennis, board and card games. She simply was one of the guys. They also liked her donuts.

After she became an empty nester, she got her degree and became a Special Education teacher, teaching a number of schools in Halifax and Spryfield until her retirement. Later she took up golf and enjoyed rounds with her husband, sons and friends across Canada and the United States, camping, picnics, weekends at the camp with family kept her busy. On many of those occasions she was accompanied by her closest niece Patricia Lowthers (Smith), now living in British Columbia.

Gwen is survived by her eldest son, James A. Foley “Butch” and wife, Margaret “Pat” of Greenwood; son, Bryan L. Foley and wife, Eleanor of Chilliwack, BC.; daughter-in-Law, Karen, High River, AB.; seven grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and eight great great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her husband, of 56 years James, youngest son, Clayton; mother, Belle; father, Bill; stepfather, Don MacDonald; sister, Geraldine “Gerry” Smith, great-grandson, Zachary; and great great-grandsons, Kaiden and Edward.

The family would like to acknowledge HOV for the finest care and attention they provided for our mother from the moment she walked in to the last moment of her life. It became her sanctuary and she met good people that she relied on and trusted; her friend Barb Fretwell, Tracie, her Activities Director and John her card playing buddy all remained close to Gwen to the very end. The staff, were special care givers, professional and gracious to all entrusted to their care. Gwen’s life was enriched, especially in the last couple of years, when she needed it the most by the presence of her eldest son, Jim and his wife, Pat; and family members, Kathy, Ian and Johnathan Frontain, who made certain all her needs were provided through dedication of time and love in a busy uncertain world.

Cremation has already taken place and committal will be held Saturday, September 18, 2021 at 3:00 pm in the Maplewood Cemetery.At Gwen’s request and wishes there will be no service, no flowers or charitable donations. Instead, the family simply ask that you take a moment of your time to invite the Lord into your heart then reach out to help a community member, friend, relative or acquaintance in need. Arrangements have been entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home, 34 Coldbrook Village Park Dr., Coldbrook, NS, B4R 1B9 (902-679-2822).