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Elaine Foley Obituary

Deerfield, Mich. - Elaine (Hodge) Foley joined the company of her heavenly family on July 28, 2013, after a brief illness and stay at the Ebeid Hospice Center in Sylvania, Ohio.

Elaine was born and raised in New London, on Feb. 4, 1940, and was an active participant in the Girl Scouts of America, both as a child then as a team leader.

In 1961, Elaine married the love of her life, Capt. Jerome "Jerry" P. Foley. They recently celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary.

Elaine was a proud Coast Guard wife and more importantly, a mother of five children. She always dedicated her life to her faith and her family and as such has an extensive list of those who she loved and cared for and those who loved her, many considering her as a second mother. Elaine received a degree in pastoral ministry in 1985, and was an active church member and spiritual support for family and friends. Her generosity of spirit, loving heart, and constant counselor of others was her strongest attribute.

Elaine was predeceased by an infant daughter, Mary Elizabeth; her parents, Mary and Gerville Hodge of New London; and her beloved siblings, Diana Trundle of Santa Barbara, Calif., and Ron Hodge of Bismarck, N.D.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Capt. Jerome Foley (USCG Ret.); her children, Stephen (Karen) of Strongsville, Ohio, Christine (Lori) of Cleveland, Ohio, Michael of Toledo, Ohio, Cathleen Steirer (Andrew) of Sylvania, and Sean (Ariela) of Ridgefield Park, N.J.; and five grandchildren, Matthew, Jacob, and Nathan Foley of Strongsville, and Samantha and Benjamin Steirer of Sylvania.

There will be a visitation from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2013, at Light of Christ Church, Deerfield, followed immediately by the Funeral Mass with Rev. Russ Lowe as celebrant. Elaine will return to her hometown of New London to be buried in a private ceremony at St. Mary's Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cherry Street Mission, the Salvation Army, or Ebeid Hospice.

Online condolences to the family are welcomed at www.WagleyFuneralHome.com

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

Published by The Day on Jul. 30, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Elaine Foley

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6 Entries

Zane & VK Ziegler

July 31, 2013

Our sincere sympathy in the loss of Elaine to your whole family and friends. May you find comfort in memories of the happy times, and knowing she is at peace along with others gone before her. Continued strength and blessings to you all in the time ahead.

Carol Lindsley

July 31, 2013

Cathy and Family: I am so sorry for your loss. Your mom sounds like she was an amazing woman. May your wonderful memories and the comfort of your family and friends ease your sadness.

Linda Lucente

July 31, 2013

Elaine had a kind soul, constant smile and gave everyone big warm hugs. Although Elaine has completed her job on earth, she has left us with her sense of humor, and tenderness and understanding towards others. God gave us a gem to remember,
and remember we will. Thank you God for sharing Elaine with us.
My deepest sympathy to all.

Linda Lucente

July 31, 2013

Elaine had a kind soul, a constant smile and big warm hugs. Although Elaine has completed her job on earth, she has left us with her tenderness towards others, sense of humor, and lessons of understanding to pass around. God gave us a gem to remember, and remember we will. Thank you God, for sharing Elaine with us.
My deepest sympathy goes to all.

Carla Cox

July 30, 2013

Elaine, a wonderful lady who's laughter brought a smile to everyone near. There was rarely a stranger on her path. She would make us feel that each meeting was a celebration of life, joy, and heart felt emotion. We will always remember to practice what she gave us, kindness, understanding and love.

My deepest sympathy to her family on the loss of this great lady.

Lori Schneider

July 30, 2013

I was privileged to have known Elaine over the years and will always have wonderful memories of times shared with her and her family. My heart goes out to all who are grieving, especially to her devoted daughters Christine and Cathy, who were there so often during their mother's final days, caring for her in ways that perhaps only daughters can understand. And you both did it well. I'm sure your Mother knows that and will rest in peace with that knowledge of your love and care.

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