Lorilee J. Foley

Lorilee J. (Rogers) Foley, 55, of Rutland, died peacefully on October 29, 2008, from complications of a brain tumor. She lived with bravery and determination throughout the 14 months of her illness. She leaves with us the legacy of hope.

Lorilee was born on February 18, 1953, in South Hadley, Massachusetts, into a large and loving family. She was educated in local schools. She attended and graduated from Green Mountain College in Poultney, Vermont, with an associate degree, the University of Vermont with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work, and subsequently from the University of Tennessee with a Master of Social Work degree. She was very proud of her educational accomplishments. She was subsequently a lifelong learner.

Upon her return to Vermont, she worked with her husband, Dr. Daniel Foley, to found and develop a medical practice. For 23 years, she was the business manager of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Infertility P.C. She retired in 2007 at the time of her diagnosis. She gave herself to this practice with selfless and untiring effort. She was dedicated to and cherished her co-workers.

Lorilee was deeply loved by her family who appreciated her kindness, humor and grace. She will be deeply missed by her husband of 30 years, Dr. Daniel Foley; her daughter, Lillian; and her loving sons, Brooks, Gregory and Evan.

She is also survived by the role models in her life, her mom and dad, William and Maryjane Rogers Sr. of South Hadley, Massachusetts; her sisters, Marijane Caolo and her husband of Hutchinson Island, Florida, and Pamela Ondrick and her husband of Chicopee, Massachusetts; her beloved brothers, William Rogers and his wife of Mashpee, Massachusetts, and Daniel Rogers, his wife and family of Nashua, New Hampshire; a much loved sister-in-law, Linda Rogers and her family of South Hadley, Massachusetts.

Lorilee also leaves her beloved brother-in-law and sister-in-law, William and Barbara Foley and their family of Rutland; a brother-in-law, the Rev. Michael Foley of Kauai, Hawaii.

Lorilee had an abiding love for her very special 12 nieces and nephews, great-nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins (too numerous to mention), all whom she held deeply in her heart.

She also leaves many friends who were like family to her. She held a special love for her high school friends.

Lorilee was always full of energy and enthusiasm in all that she did. Her activities were many and varied. Lorilee was a multi-tasker whose priority was to provide a loving home for her family. She was a gourmet cook and kept a home that her family was proud of. She was always welcoming, warm and fun.

Lorilee prided herself as an athlete. She was an excellent skier who belonged to the Pico Ski Club for 25 years. She especially enjoyed tennis. She played with much enthusiasm. She loved her tennis friends and deeply appreciated their devotion to her throughout her illness. She enjoyed swimming and used the facility at VAC (with much appreciation) throughout her illness. She also thought of herself as a very good arm-wrestler and pool player. She was, above all else, very competitive.

Lorilee spent much of her time in volunteer activities. She was very active in the Rutland Garden Club and enjoyed her association with its many members. She was a dedicated volunteer at the local Food Shelf. As a member of the Episcopal Church, she organized the altar flowers for many years and was a reader at church even when her health failed her. She was very proud and grateful for her association with Al-Anon and enjoyed her many years of volunteer work with the Rutland Regional Auxiliary. She was an avid reader and for many years a member of a local book club. Throughout her many years as a young mother, she was a tireless volunteer on the Rutland Swim Team, Little League and her children's school activities. From proms to bake sales, she was always dependably involved. She especially enjoyed her work in high school athletics.

Lorilee was socially very active with many friends and acquaintances. She supported local arts activities and would be frequently seen at openings, plays, concerts, sports events and fundraisers.

Lorilee was a natural beauty who had a luminous quality to her persona. She was always ready for conversation, a helping hand or a hint. She was mischievous and lots of fun to be with.

Lorilee lived a valiant life and faced her illness with bravery. She brought all of us close to her with the abiding love and trust in God and His will. Though she never fought her diagnosis, she faced each step of her illness with determination and made the best of her circumstances. Her greatest wish was to leave a legacy of faith and optimism in her children. We will all miss her deeply but we are all proud of the strength that she exhibited even in the most difficult times during her illness.

Memorial contributions may be made to Community Cupboard, PO Box 1272, Rutland, VT 05702; or Vermont Achievement Center, Mitchell Therapy Pool, PO Box 6283, Rutland, VT 05702, Attn: Advancement Office.

Calling hours will be at Clifford Funeral Home on Friday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.

Services will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2008, at 10:30 a.m.

Lorilee wished to leave special thanks to her friends and family, especially her husband.

View the guest book at rutlandherald.com/obits.