Richmond, Virginia
FOLEY, Phyllis Anne Parker, of Richmond, died at home Wednesday, August 5, 2009 after a long illness. Affectionately called "Gaga" by her children and grand-children, Phyllis was born December 1, 1934 in Richmond and raised her family in a row house in Carytown. She was known to generations of Saint Benedict Elementary School students, where she worked for more than 20 years, as the lunch lady who gave the biggest portions and an equal measure of kindness. Dedicated to her church, her Catholic faith and her family, Phyllis raised five children and cared for an ailing husband, Calvin James Foley, who died in May 1992. Phyllis was also predeceased by her parents, Laurence Anthony Parker and Araminta Belle Willis Parker; and siblings, Rose Parker Crawford, Joseph Parker and Edward Parker. She is survived by her beloved children, Karen Marie Foley Ambrous of Chesapeake, Kevin Patrick Foley (Mary Kurth) of Tulsa, Okla., Kathleen Cecilia Foley, Kent Fitzgerald Foley and Kelly Anne Foley; and grand-children, Katie and Lauren Foley and Emily Ambrous, all of Richmond. Siblings, Ilene Parker Rutherford, Jean Tealie Parker Togawa, Laurence Parker and Kenneth Parker also survive; and her loving pet, Trinity. The family, especially Kent and Kelly, cared for Phyllis at home as she struggled with a rare form of progressive supranuclear palsy. Despite her illness, she traveled and was always quick to laugh. The family wishes to thank Phyllis' longtime private nurse, Tiffany Smith, for her dedication and caring over the past two and a half years. The family will receive friends 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, August 6, at Bliley's- Central, 3801 Augusta Ave., where a Christian Wake will be held 6:30 p.m. Thursday. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, August 7, at St. Benedict Catholic Church, followed by interment at Mount Calvary Cemetery, 1400 S. Randolph St. Richmond, Va. 23220. In lieu of flowers, friends may make donations to Saint Benedict Catholic Church, 300 N. Sheppard St. Richmond, Va. 23221, or the Society for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy at www.psp.org.
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
Karen - my thoughts go out to to you and your family. I still remember our days at St. Benedicts and Humphrey Calder and I can still picture your mom sitting on your porch as we walked to your house after school.
Andy Brower
August 18, 2009 | Richmond, VA
Kent,
Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. My deepest sympathies go out to you.
Kevin Gross
August 10, 2009 | Richmond, VA
To all of Phyllis' loved ones, we extend our deepest condolences in this sad time of loss. May God hold each of you in His hands and comfort you. Time will lessen your grief as you look thru a lifetime of beautiful memories of a wonderful woman who will always be remembered fondly. Kathy if you need us anytime, call.
We love you,
Pam Bryant
Rory Faulconer
Bryant Faulconer
August 07, 2009 | Glen Allen, VA
Dear Karen, Kevin, Kathy, Kent and Kelly:
It has been many years since our days at St. Benedict's, Humphrey Calder Playground and St. Gertrude's, but I remember your family well. Your mom was such a nice woman and didn't seem to mind all the extra "kids" that came around! My deepest sympathies for your loss.
Cathy (Cowan) Angel
August 06, 2009 | Lynchburg, VA
Dear Family, Brothers and Sisters of Phyllis,
First, I want to let you know, even though we have not lived in Richmond in over 39 years, we still think of you all and try to find out what's going on with our cousins. I will always remember the good times we had with Phyllis, Ilene, Rose and Teali. We spent a lot of time at Araminta's and Uncle Launcie's house when we were young. What a wonderful family. I know your hearts are breaking, but just know that God gave us memories so we...
Margaret Bancalari & Tom Wright
August 06, 2009 | Bradenton, FL
On behalf of all the staff at Bon Secours Hospice and Palliative Care we wish to extend to the friends and family our deepest sympathy and ongoing support. We hope and pray you will find peace with time. Please feel free to contact me anytime if I can be of help.
Lee Peebles Bereavement Counselor
August 06, 2009 | Richmond, VA
To the family of Phyllis Foley,
We at Mount Calvary Cemetery wish to express our deepest sympathies for the loss of your loved one and we pray that God will help to ease your pain in the days to come. We are proud and honored to be chosen as the final resting place for Phyllis. This is a responsibility that we do not take lightly and we pledge the highest level of perpetual care to honor her memory. Please do not hesitate to call us with any concerns or if there is anything we...
Mount Calvary Cemetery
August 06, 2009 | Richmond, VA
Kent,
I am sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. I cannot imagine what you are feeling now. Just know that she did a wonderful job raising you because you are a truly dedicated son and it showed in all you did for her. Peace be with you in this time of grief.
Chassidy (Baldwin)Barnett
August 06, 2009 | Sandston, VA
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Celeste,Tony & Jessica Duncan
August 06, 2009 | Glen Allen, VA
