Margaret Foley

On March 27^th 2018, Margaret (Peggy) Foley joined her beloved husband of 66 years, Bob, in Heaven.

Formerly of Rockland and Dorchester, Peggy was just six days shy of her 95^th birthday at her time of death. Having lived a long life of love and devotion to her Creator, husband, family and Church, Peggy enjoyed her last few days at home in Hull surrounded by her family, friends and neighbors.

Born, raised, and educated in St. Margaret’s Parish in Dorchester, Peggy married the late Robert E. Foley in 1946. They became proud parents who will be lovingly remembered and forever honored by their children: Robert E. Foley Jr., and wife Andrea (Santosuosso) Foley of Scituate, Christopher D. Foley and wife Linda (Such) Foley, of Enfield CT, Margaret F. VanCisin and her late husband Kevin of West Roxbury and David A. Foley and husband Michael Loshaw of Hull. Peggy is also survived by six grandchildren, four step grandchildren, their respective spouses and twelve great grandchildren.

Peggy was predeceased by her parents John and Margaret Austin of Kinsale Ireland, then Dorchester, and her brothers, Lt. Daniel V. Austin (USAAC WWII) and John Austin. Peggy has been reunited with her devoted sisters Eileen A. Brown of Milton and Mary (Mae) O’Loughlin of Braintree. Together the sisters were commonly referred to as the “Austin Girls.”  They were formidable, caring and loving women, devoted to their families, one another and their Catholic Faith.  The sisters created many long-lasting memories of laughter and love for the next generations while living at 41 Mayfield Street in Dorchester, then the ensuing decades on the South Shore.

Margaret, commonly known as Aunt Peggy to many of her nieces and nephews, always sent birthday cards or greetings, and was thrilled by their visits and phone calls. In her later years, Peggy received devoted care from her niece, Janet A. Leonardo of Milton, who kept her entertained and took her on outings. Peggy was also assisted in her final years by devoted caregiver Marie Niland of Hull.

During the early years of her secretarial career, Peggy worked at Boston City Hospital with her late father-in-law Dr. John A. Foley. After raising her four children, Peggy returned to work at the University of Massachusetts Boston.  There, Peggy spent ten years as Administrative Assistant to four Deans at the College of Liberal Arts. While at U-Mass Peg reunited with her dear friend Anne Harris of Quincy, spending many lunches during their working and ensuing retirement years.

Having been a summer visitor to Hull for decades, Peggy spent the last four years residing there with her sons David & Michael. Peggy especially enjoyed the warm, brilliant sunshine and calm, sparkling waters of Hull Bay. Her favorite way to spend a sunny afternoon was relaxing on the porch, watching the sailboats on the water. The serenity of Hull Bay provided Peggy with great happiness and her neighbors provided great entertainment!

Margaret’s Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday April 7^th 2018, at 11:00 AM at St. Mary of the Assumption Parish – Church of St. Ann, 208 Samoset Avenue in Hull. Family and Friends are welcome to arrive at 10:30 AM in the Gathering Space for a brief repose. Interment will follow at Hull Village Cemetery where Peg will be buried beside her husband Bob in the family plot.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the St Vincent De Paul Society, St Mary of Assumption Parish, Samoset Avenue,  Hull MA 02045.