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Deborah Foley Obituary

Deborah A. (Shea) Foley, 68, of Southborough, MA, formerly of South Windsor. died on Sunday, October 18, 2020 in her home with her devoted husband of 47 years, Daniel J. Foley, Jr, by her side. She died of complications from dementia/Alzheimer's. Deb was born in Hartford, grew up in South Windsor. and later lived many years in Worcester. In addition to her husband, Deborah leaves her siblings, Kelly and his wife Kathleen Shea of Rochester, NY, Kathleen Shea of Stratford, CT, Mary Quinn and her husband Anthony of Gales Ferry, CT, Ann Malinowski and her husband Scott of South Windsor, John Shea of Hartford, and Margaret Shea of South Windsor. Deb also leaves many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Kerman and Ann (Kelly) Shea. Following her graduation from Manchester Community College, and her marriage to Dan in 1973, Deborah co-founded and operated Shea Florists in South Windsor with her sister Margaret for many years. She later worked in the Admissions Office at Assumption University, Worcester, as supervisor of work study students, where she was dearly loved and remembered for her warm and gracious welcoming of so many students to her home. Deborah was a devout member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, and a passionate supporter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. She was a loving and much-loved wife, sister, sister-in-law, cousin, niece, aunt and friend whose generosity, laughter, and caring ways enriched the lives of all who knew her. But Deb's most cherished role in life was that of being the dedicated wife to her husband and best friend, Dan. The family would like to express its heartfelt gratitude to the VNA Hospice and Palliative Care Team of Worcester, and the health care aides from Tribute Home Care, especially Leonia Nakitayimbwa, for the amazing care they provided to Deb over the last year. Following Covid 19 guidelines for gatherings including face coverings and distancing, there will be calling hours Friday, October 23, from 4 to 7 p.m. in St. Rose of Lima Church, 244 W. Main St., Northborough, MA. The funeral Mass will take place Saturday, October 24 at 11 a.m. in St. Rose of Lima the Church. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Deborah's memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, PO Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090. The Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester, is directing funeral arrangements.

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

Published by Hartford Courant on Oct. 21, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Deborah Foley

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Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Patrick Lacey

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Jim and Mary Wilson

October 24, 2020

Dear Dan, Mary and I just saw this about Deb and we send you our deepest sympathy. We always loved seeing you two at WCC and could see your love, devotion, and happiness together. Our prayers and thoughts are with you two. Jim and Mary Wilson

Ann Shea Malinowski

October 24, 2020

There has never been anything like a sister! Deborah was a sister to me, as well as a sister to other family members and many friends. The passing of Deborah is very hard for all of us. I am so thankful for the wonderful years we had together. Deb was a special lady. She always looked beautiful inside and out. Her friendly smile and positive energy flowed through the room making everyone feel welcome. My sister Deborah is one of the kindest people I know. She was a joy to be around, and I will miss her very much. I will always remember our shopping sprees and long talks. She always had many interesting and fascinating stories that made me laugh. Although this is a difficult time for all, Deborah is smiling and will continue to watch over all of us – for she is now home! I love you Deb. God Bless.

Mike and Peg O'Loughlin

October 23, 2020

To The Foley Family - We are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Haeseo Na

October 23, 2020

I am so sorry for the loss. Dan and Deb were the best couple I've met. When they celebrated 45th anniversary, my wife and I were happy and so surprised. His wife was very fun and her husband was very kind. I still remember last year Christmas concert at her apartment. I am so so sorry to hear her loss.

DONNA HACKETT

October 23, 2020

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Susan Young

October 22, 2020

Our hearts are broken with the loss of Debbie We will treasure all our memories with the Shea Armata families. Deb always put family first and was always a great friend to me Rest in peace❤ Love Bob and Susan Young

Ellen Cipolla

October 21, 2020

Debbie Shea as I knew her in high school was smart and a great personality to join forces with everyone in school spirit!! Shocked to hear this lovely classmate of ours is gone!!So sad to know it was difficult for her and her loving husband, she never deserved that kind of end, I feel sorrow for you your loss.
Ellen Rivosa Cipolla

Deborah Mackey Conn

October 21, 2020

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. A gentle soul is now in heaven. May your memories of Debbie give you peace and comfort. I have many fond memories when we were friends at South Windsor High School. Her smile was contagious as was her cheerful spirit. Rest in Peace my dear friend

Karen & Steve Bernacki

October 21, 2020

Deborah Foley family, so sorry for your loss. I was a greeter at 5PM mass at St. Rose and you both came in with a smile! Know our prayers are with you & yours.

Miss G.

October 21, 2020

Wow! Didn't know Deb, but wish I had!! She sounds like a Sweet, Wonderful Woman! My Sincere Sympathies to the Family! May God wrap his arms around you all and bring you Comfort and Peace in the days ahead!
Sleep in Heavenly Peace Deb!

Kate B.

October 21, 2020

Dear Dan,
Debbie epitomized style and class. She will be missed so much but left a personal legacy with you and your big Irish family that will be ever hard to forget.

The FTD Beautiful Spirit Basket

Kate Bardsley

Sent Flowers

Vito and Nancy Virzi

October 21, 2020

We send our condolences to you and your family, Dan. You and Debbie were great neighbors. SIncerely, Vito and Nancy Virzi

Marty Hennessey

October 21, 2020

Dan, I am so sorry to see the notice of Deb's passing. Maureen and I are living in Florida now for many years. We often speak of you. My prayers are with you and family. Way too soon for such a wonderful person. Marty Hennessey

Jen Dupuis Obstein

October 20, 2020

My deepest condolences, Dan, Deb was a wonderful person. She was the mother hen to all of us work-study students in Admissions: making sure we were doing well in class, giving advice on problems, and generally making sure we were finding our way as young adults. I loved my days in that tiny backroom (closet) and will forever hold them in my heart.

I remember sitting in your sunroom having tea and catching up as the years went on. Deb continued to mentor and mother me as I moved onto being a counselor. I still use her mother's pie plate every Thanksgiving, a kind and thoughtful gift. She always had a way of letting people know that she cared. She will forever hold a place in my heart and I'm so grateful for the many memories we shared.

Debra de Leon

October 20, 2020

I am so very sorry for your loss. Sending many prayers your way. I had the blessing of working for Deb during my four years as a work study student at Assumption College in the Admissions Office. God bless your family

Paula Pietro-Malmquist

October 20, 2020

Dan and to Deb's families and friends, I was so saddened to hear of the passing of your beautiful wife and sister. Deb was a wonderful person inside and out. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. Hold on to your beautiful memories God Bless❤

Susan Foey

October 20, 2020

DJ,
Deb was always just so classy, so fun, always so interested in what people were up to. She was just the best and I am so very sad and sorry.
Sending hugs
Love
Sue Foley

Fr. Dennis Gallagher, AA

October 20, 2020

Such a gracious and loving woman. The students and staff at Assumption thought the world of her. I felt privileged to see her so often at St. Rose. May the angels lead you into paradise...

Mario Silva-Rosa

October 20, 2020

I had the pleasure of working with Debbie at Assumption College (University) and I truly appreciated the opportunity to get to know her and to collaborate with her for the benefit of the students. She was a great asset to the work that was achieved in the office of undergraduate admission and I had some fond memories of the time spent in the office. She was a breath of fresh air and a ray of sunshine to all of us. May she rest in peace and may the family members find comfort in each other to get through this difficult time of pain and sorrow.

Sara Grady

October 20, 2020

I am very sorry for your loss, Dan. I worked with Deb at Assumption. She was a wonderful friend and mentor. Everyone loved her. She taught us so much. She will be remembered, and she will be missed.

Christine Kaltsas Martin

October 20, 2020

I knew Deb and Dan over 40 years ago and we were neighbors in Worcester. She joined me as a preschool teacher when I opened a preschool in Massachusetts . Deb loved life, people, was caring , kind who would always offer a helping hand.
Most of all, Deb and Dan's marriage was a model for all to aspire to . They were so devoted to eachother and there was always laughter whenever they were together . You will missed my dear friend, but never forgotten. Thinking of you Dan with my sincerest sympathy and love . I wish I lived closer to be there for you .

John Fresolo

October 20, 2020

Dan,
My sincere condolences to you...

Tom Fitzpatrick

October 20, 2020

So sorry for your loss Dan. She was a wonderful person. She will be missed.

Heartfelt Condolences Arrangement- BASKET INCLUDED

john toole

Sent Flowers

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Memorial Events
for Deborah Foley

Oct

23

Calling hours

4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

St. Rose of Lima Church

244 W. Main St, Northborough, MA

Oct

24

Funeral Mass

11:00 a.m.

St. Rose of Lima Church

244 W. Main St., Northborough, MA

Funeral services provided by:

Athy Memorial Home - Worcester

111 Lancaster St, Worcester, MA 01609

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