Joan Foley

Joan (Minichiello) Foley died on Sunday Sept. 25, 2022 in Fort Lauderdale Florida at the age of 85.

Known to all as “Joanne”, she was born in Arlington, MA on July 31, 1937 where she enjoyed the next 78 years of her life. Joanne left Arlington in 2015 for the sunshine of Florida and the kindness and generosity of her son, Jim and daughter-in-law Michelle. Joanne was best known for her quick-witted humor, fierce determination, and generous spirit. She was a talented seamstress who spent her formative years working under the tutelage of her maternal uncle, a master tailor. As a mother, Joanne was very involved in raising and educating her children, spending much time as both a girl scout and cub scout leader and PTA member. Joanne also enjoyed working as a bookkeeper for Decelle’s clothing store where she made many friends and formed cherished memories. She was a life-long and passionate Boston Red Sox fan, never missing a chance to watch a game and cheer on her favorite team. In her spare time, she loved to sing. She spent many years singing as a member of the choir of St. Camillus Church in Arlington, and most recently with the choir at Willow Wood in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Joanne also loved gardening, she was an avid reader and a tremendous cook. She especially treasured festive holiday meals with her large extended family.

Joanne is predeceased by her husband John Foley with whom she shared 54 years of marriage. She is survived by her loving sister Sandra Watters of Merrimack, NH with whom she shared a special bond. Her daughter Lisa (Foley) Smith of Live Oak, FL. Her son John Foley and her daughter in law Mimi (Okabayashi) Foley of Foxborough, MA, her daughter Linda (Foley) Mulvihill of Ipswich, MA, her son Jim Foley and daughter-in-law Michelle Sacca of Fort Lauderdale, FL., her grandsons Noah Foley and Michael Foley of Foxborough, MA, her granddaughter Eiley Mulvihill of Ipswich, MA, her god-daughter Christine Russel of Hookset, NH., her sister and brother-in-law Mary and John Sullivan. Her sister-in-law Eileen Collins and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Children’s Room Arlington, MA https://childrensroom.org.

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