Mary Margaret Foley

1921 - 2022

Mary Margaret Foley entered peacefully into eternal life on June 9, 2022, at the age of 100.

Born in Memphis, TN on October 31, 1921, the oldest of the four children of Timothy Patrick Foley and Mary Frulla Foley. She was preceded in death by her three siblings Timothy Patrick, III, Anthony, and Patricia Foley Signaigo.

As part of the "Greatest Generation" she lived a life of service to God, family, country, and community.

During World War II Mary Margaret graduated from Sacred Heart HS in Memphis where she was a star player on the school's basketball team for four years. Upon graduation from high school, she deferred her dream of becoming a nurse to support her country and work as one of the "Rosie the Riveters" at Fisher Aircraft in Memphis, riveting wings on B25 Bombers.

After the war, she became the first female cashier at Montesi's Grocery Store, coached basketball at St. Agnes, and refereed basketball games for the Memphis Park Commission. Once she saved enough money for tuition, she entered Memphis State School of Nursing and finally fulfilled her dream of becoming a nurse. After graduating, Ms. Foley was the charge nurse at The Med in OB/GYN until her retirement. She spent decades teaching and mentoring nurses new to the profession who to this day talk about the impact she had, and inspiration she gave them.

Following her retirement from The Med she continued her life of service to others by her leadership and membership in several community organization, especially the Ladies of Charity, and her home parish, Holy Rosary Church in Memphis. The Outstanding Service Award given annually by the Ladies of Charity is named for her, and those who receive it exemplify her qualities of leadership and service to others. Faith anchored her life. She was a devout Catholic and shared her time and talents freely with her church. Mary Margaret was also a sports enthusiast and loved watching all sports. But it was the Memphis Tigers basketball that captured her heart and she rarely missed watching them play, and armchair coaching.

Her last three years she lived at Brookdale Germantown, and quickly captured the hearts of the staff and residents alike. She was appointed the Greeter, and faithfully welcomed visitors every day. During COVID, she kept spirits up by teaching "the old songs" to the staff who still sing them to the other residents. The devoted and dedicated Director and Staff made every day special for her.

Mary Margaret is survived by her nephew, Michael Signaigo (Alice), and niece, Kathy Signaigo, and a great-niece, Dr. Susanna Signaigo Tyler. She also leaves behind a multitude of friends, and she loved them all. Her dearest friends, Martha Ann Smith, Wendy Smith, Michael Bashett, Greg Hallman, and Dr. Mary McDonald, and their families, became "Family" to her throughout her life.

Her legacy of love and service is an inspiration to all.

Mary Margaret's life will be celebrated at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 4851 Park Ave on Saturday, June 18, 2022, at 9 AM with a visitation, and Mass of Resurrection at 9:30 AM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ladies of Charity, Memphis, Holy Rosary Catholic Church, or the Diocese of Memphis Seminarian Fund.