Clara Ann Foley

Clara Ann (Smith) Foley, a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother passed away peacefully Saturday, January 31st 2015 with the family she loved gathered by her side. She was 93 years of age. The second youngest of nine children, Clara was born in Chicago, Illinois to Joseph and Clara Smith. In the 1940s, she met and married the love of her life, J. Gerard Foley. Clara and Jerry settled on Vernon Hill in Worcester to raise six wonderful children with love, devotion, and happiness. Following Jerry's passing in 1996 after 52 years of marriage, Clara continued to focus all of her energy and affection on the family that the two had created together. Putting family and faith above all else, Clara lived her beliefs every day. She was an active member of St John Church and the former Ascension Church. She attended mass as often as she could and was a part of the churches' Mothers' and Medallion Clubs. Clara loved to cook, crochet, play piano, and watch sports. An enthusiastic cheerleader for every New England sports team, she also rooted for Coach K and his Duke University basketball team. Any family celebration or visit--big or small--was beloved by Clara, particularly summers at the Marshfield family home and loud, joyful holiday festivities. A vivacious and assertive woman, she always made sure that her home was filled with laughter, honesty, impeccably neat curtains, and, most of all, love. She is survived by six dedicated children: Reverend Monsignor Michael G. Foley, Pastor of St. Luke the Evangelist Church in Westborough; Reverend John J. Foley, Pastor of St. Anne Church in Shrewsbury; Brian F. Foley and his wife Janice of Holden; Gerard J. Foley and his wife Eileen of Winchester; Mary C. Abraham of Worcester; Dr. Julie T. Miller and her husband Jed of Ottawa Lake, Michigan. She also had 10 grandchildren whom she treasured and who treasured their Nana: Brian and his wife Natalie, Matthew, Julie and Michael Abraham; Katie, Michael, and Jenny Foley; Caroline, Martin and Kevin Foley and a great grandson, Logan Abraham. Clara is also survived by two sisters-- Beth Baker of Monticello, Indiana and Josephine Stonitch of Henrico, Virginia-- and her brother-in-law, Charles Audet of Framingham, in addition to many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends. Friends and relatives are invited to calling hours Wednesday February 4th from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St, Worcester. Her funeral will be celebrated by her two sons at 11:00am Thursday, February 5th at St. John Church, 40 Temple St, Worcester. Please go directly to the church. She will then be buried next to her husband in St. John Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial remembrances in her name can be made to St. John Church, Food for the Poor, 44 Temple Street, Worcester, MA 01604