Obituary of Helen Foley

Helen Foley passed peacefully in her home, surrounded by family on August 4^th, 2022. We are deeply saddened by her passing and would like to take this time to remember her for who she truly was; a shining light in the community.

Born on the Fourth of July, 1928, to Margaret and John Lynch, Helen grew up in Bayonne, New Jersey. She attended Bayonne High School, which led her to study nursing at the Bayonne Hospital School of Nursing, where she earned the title of President of her class before graduating in 1949. She also earned a degree Sociology from Caldwell College later in life.

In 1949, Helen married the love of her life, Harold Foley, and they were able to spend many wonderful years together. They raised 6 children in Denville. A trip to the grocery store could not happen without a handful of people calling Helen’s name to stop and chat. She worked at St. Clare's Hospital then as the Denville Public Health Nurse up until her retirement at age 72. She was a breath of fresh air to anyone she came across. In addition to being a hard worker, Helen was an advocate and supporter of the NJ Battered Women’s Shelter, as well as the NJ Mental Health Alliance. She truly dedicated her life to the service and welfare of others.

Helen was a true optimist; always having faith and trust in the people around her. She was a caretaker, through and through, showing her passion by working and caring for her friends and family throughout her life. Above all, though, Helen cared for her family. With 6 children and an open-door policy, her home was always a revolving door of new faces and old friends. For Helen, time spent with family was never time wasted. She was also an avid reader, enjoying the works of Erma Bombek and Andy Rooney for their clever wit, pragmatism, and whimsy that she carried through to her own life. She also loved her music. If her life had a soundtrack, it would be filled with ABBA, The Bee Gees, Evita, and The Beach Boys. The upbeat, bright tunes were an absolute reflection of her personality and presence.

And while her presence will be dearly missed, please remember her as a caring and fun loving woman whose life will not be forgotten. She has joined her husband, Harold, as well as her siblings, Jim, Donald, Betty, Vivian, and Jaqueline, and their parents, Margaret, and John, once again. She leaves behind her wonderful children; Bob (Linda), Jeanne (late John), Donald, Susanne, Claire, and Lynn (Patrick), her grandchildren, Skye, Erin, Anna, Sean, Kari, Janna (David), Kate, Ryan, and Aidan, and great-grandchildren, Callen and Brody. 

A Funeral Mass will be held for Helen on Tuesday, August 9^th, 2022, at 12 PM at St. Mary’s Church in Denville, NJ.