Obituary of Margaret J. Foley

Margaret J. "Greta" Foley of Goshen passed away on Thursday, November 8, 2012 in her home with her family in Goshen. She was 77. Greta was born in Drimoleague County Cork, Ireland, the daughter of Charles and Mary "Molly" (O'Sullivan) McCarthy. She married her beloved husband Thomas and they spent 50 years together, celebrating their golden anniversary this past June. She is survived by her husband, Thomas, her sons, John Foley and Thomas Foley, her daughters, Shioban Foley and Colette Andryshak and husband Kevin, all of Goshen; her sisters, Marie Tooher of England, Noreen McGarry and husband Kevin, Catherine Mulhall, Cecilia Wilcox and husband Bill, all of Ireland; sisters-in-law, Mary Garrett and husband Jim, and Joan McCarthy; and brothers-in-law, Sean Foley and wife Dinah, James Foley and wife Mary, and Patrick Harrington; grandchildren, Chelsea, Kevin, Peyton and Juliet; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother Donal McCarthy, sister, Sheila Harrington, and brothers-in-law, Richard Tooher and Greg Mulhall. Greta along with her husband Tom owned and operated Goshen Hardware, Ltd. in Goshen, NY and Ayres and Galloway Hardware in Middletown, NY. An educator for 39 years, Greta spent her life pursuing knowledge for herself, as well as others. She earned Master's Degrees in Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics as well as a Doctorate in Education. She spent most of her teaching career at North Rockland High School in Stony Point, NY teaching mathematics. Greta's commitment to education was further evidenced in her involvement in many organizations, including: Member of the Board of Trustees for John S. Burke Catholic High School; Consultant to the Department of Education; Member of Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development; Member of New York State United Teachers; and Member of American Federation of Teachers. Although she had emigrated from Ireland over 50 years ago, Greta never forgot her heritage. She was a member of the Irish Institute in New York City. She participated in fundraising for The Captain Francis O'Neill Monument in Bantry, Co. Cork. She was a member of The Corkman's Association and a member of the UCC Alumni, Cork, Ireland. She was also a member of the Irish American Heritage Association, Orange County, NY. In 2010, Greta was listed by the Irish Voice as one of the Top 100 Irish Educators in the United States. Greta always reached out to those in need. For example, she served as a counselor for the American Red Cross after the tragedy of 9/11. She was also a founding member of the Goshen Ecumenical Food Pantry. The Honorable Benjamin Gilman asked Greta to serve as his delegate during the peace talks in Ireland. She also participated in the President's Legislative Counsel in the United States Chamber of Commerce. Most dear to Greta's heart, was her commitment to her faith and the church. She served as a Eucharistic Minister for nearly 40 years and also served as a Lector. She served three terms as Regent of Court Genevieve Walsh #918 of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas. In addition, she was a member of St. John's Altar Rosary Society. In 1999, Greta was appointed by His Eminence John Cardinal O'Connor to serve as a delegate to the conference between Catholics and Lutherans and to the unveiling of Saint Brigid of Sweden in Rome Italy. Visitation will be Monday, November 12 from 6-8 PM and Tuesday, November 13 from 2-4 PM & 7-9 PM at the Donovan Funeral Home, Inc., 82 South Church Street, Goshen, NY. A Mass of Christian burial will be on Wednesday, November 14 at 10:00 am at St. John the Evangelist R.C. Church, 71 Murray Ave. Goshen, NY. Burial will follow in St. John's Cemetery, Goshen, NY. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in Greta's honor to St. John the Evangelist R.C. Church, 71 Murray Ave. Goshen, NY 10924 or Goshen Ecumenical Food Pantry, 33 Park Place Goshen, NY 10924. Greta lived life to its fullest. She was a leader and an inspiration to many. She was a loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, nana, teacher, mentor and friend. She will be forever loved and missed. Arrangements made under the care of the Donovan Funeral Home, Inc., Goshen. To leave the family a personal condolence please visit www.donovanfunerals.com