Mary A. Foley

Mary A. Kelleher Foley, known to her fellow band members as "Rusty," of Scranton died Sunday evening at Marywood Heights following a long illness. Her husband was the late Captain Eugene G. Foley, SFD, who died in 1994.

Born in Scranton, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Catherine (Rafferty) Kelleher.

Mary most enjoyed her six beautiful grandchildren and listening to jazz. She was an avid reader of both mystery novels and The Times. She loved animals, especially feeding her beloved birds. She was a lifelong nature lover. After graduation from Marywood Seminary she boarded a train to Cleveland where she joined the Cleveland Browns Majorettes. From there she moved on to join several all-girl bands and toured the country with the Joy Cayler Orchestra, the Pat Sheridan Quartet and Merv Griffin. Mary also entertained troops in Greenland, Japan and South Korea as part of the USO tour.

The family would like to thank the staff at Marywood Heights for their loving care. Also a special thank you to Susan Foley for spending countless hours with Mary.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, her parents and her beloved brothers, Joe, Danny and Jimmy Kelleher.

Surviving are a daughter, Mary Jean (Bean) Lynett and husband, Bill; a son, CWO4 Sean A. Foley, USCG, and wife, Colleen; grandchildren, Kathryn Foley, Meghan Foley, Brigid Lynett, Jean Lynett, Sean Foley and Matthew Foley; several nieces and nephews and great-nieces and -nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 11 a.m. in Our Lady of Snows Church, 301 S. State St., Clarks Summit. Interment will be private in Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton.

Friends may call Saturday from 10 to 11 a.m. at the church.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Vanston and James Funeral Home, Scranton.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate a donation to Marywood Heights, Allied Services Hospice or a charity of the donor's choice.

To send the family an online condolence, visit www.vanstonandjames.com.