Margaret J. Foley “Marge” (nee Stinson), 85 of Closter, passed away on Saturday, August 7, 2021. She was born in Philadelphia, PA. Beloved wife of 55 years to Brendan Foley. Devoted mother of Liam, Colm and wife Nicole, Siobhan Fulco and husband Anthony, Brendan Jr. and wife Jill, Breige Alexander and late husband Dan, Deirdre Ciampa and husband Chris, and Sean and wife Angelique. Proud grandmother of Lance, Lauren, Alexandra, Adriana, Ella, Peter and Maria. Dearest sister of Robert Stinson and his late wife Ruth and Donna Schmincke and late husband Frank.
Growing up in Philly, Marge enjoyed playing the organ at St. Anne’s Church and being with her extended family. The highlight of her childhood stories usually focused on summering in the country and enjoying all it had to offer. She was a proud supporter of the US military and emergency services, growing up in a family who loved and served our country, beginning with her great grandfather and has continued on through the generations. Love blossomed between her and Brendan soon after he arrived in the states, marrying a few years later. Marge loved to share stories with her family and friends, Brendan always listened even if he had heard them countless times before.
As time marched on Marge, knowing that music was central to their family life, began piano lessons and Irish step dancing classes for all her children. Marge knew this would occupy their time and grow their interest while Brendan played at local ceilis or ones they travelled to in the Catskills. Besides taking care of her large family, Marge’s love of quilting carried through with her children’s classmates. Through projects at Tenakill and St. Mary’s, the school children drew pictures which Marge then made into patchwork quilts to gift to their teachers. Marge was able to do all of this while enjoying her favorite sport – hockey (Go Devils!!!). Marge took great care to write her annual holiday letter to send to the masses around the world, celebrating her family’s adventures and accomplishments from the year.
As her children began to grow up, Marge immersed herself in a new found passion tracking and plotting the family history. Little did Brendan know how time consuming this endeavor would be. Marge loved every moment of reconnecting with family and building new relationships, at times this and her grandchildren were her favorite topics of conversation. The grandchildren held a special place in Marge’s heart and she really loved to nurture them just as she had with her own children. Marge loved spoiling her grandchildren never missing an opportunity to sit by the piano with them and tickle the ivories. Marge’s nurturing ways can be seen today in her grandchildren’s musical ear and artistic talents, her ability to see a picture or listen to a musical tune and then carry that thru to an instrument or canvas is something we will treasure always.
Marge had been a parishioner of St. Mary’s RC Church in Closter for over 50 years, a member of the St. Mary’s prayer shawl ministry and a member of the Irish Center in Philadelphia for many years.
Visiting hours are Wednesday, Aug. 11 from 4-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave., Northvale, NJ (201-767-3050). A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday, Aug. 12 at 10 AM at St. Mary’s RC Church, Closter with interment to follow at Rockland Cemetery, Sparkill, NY.
A livestream of the funeral mass can be viewed through the link below:
https://boxcast.tv/channel/margaret-j-foley-funeral-mass-413870
In lieu of flowers, donations in Marge’s memory may be made to St. Mary’s RC Church in Closter or the Closter Volunteer Ambulance Corps in Closter.
www.pizzifuneralhome.com
Our Deepest Sympathies to Brendan & all the Families. Just Loved when Marge would come by with Brendan coming or going someplace, we had great chats over a cup of tea, I loved hearing about their wonderful grandchildren & their success’s. Enjoyed our cruise to Alaska with them both & Birthday parties in their home , Great Memories We will miss her for sure. Rest In Peace Marge. Marcella & Jimmy
Marge was the first person I met when we moved into Closter 53 years ago in the crying room of St. Mary’s Church. Her son Liam and my son Glenn became fast friends. She was incredibly crafty. I still have items she made for the craft fairs to support St. Mary’s school. She was a gentle soul with a big heart and my sincerest condolences to all the family. She has her angel wings.
Briege, Lance, Lauren and The entire Foley family we carry you’ll in our thoughts and send our prayers from San Antonio to each of you! We haven’t met but we sure feel like y’all are family !!! We adopted Briege and team Alexander in 2003 as family so we mourn with you’ll your beloved Mrs. Marge!
Dear Foley Family,
Our sincerest condolences on Marge’s passing. She was a wonderful person. I got to know her through the friendships of our children as the grew up and through various events at St Mary’s, especially the Prayer Shawl Ministry. She will be greatly missed, especially her sunny smile.
Sincerely
Jane and Dick Bishop
Our deepest sympathy to Brendan and family. Margie was a wonderful person and will truly be missed.
Marge will be greatly missed by not only her immediate family, but many of us who are distant relatives, like me. I regret not seeing Marge since my son married her daughter, Breige, and later at my son’s funeral at West Point Military Academy, but the moments I shared with her are treasured memories. It will be my honor to not only make a donation in her memory to the local ambulance corps, but also to one of my favorite charities that I know she would love also, Patriot Paws Service Dogs – an organization that donates certified service dogs and emotional support dogs at no cost to disabled military veterans. Rest in peace, dear Marge, for you’ve earned a spot in heaven and you’ve given us your legacy of wonderful children, who are carry your ideals and works forward in this world.
What an amazing tribute to an amazing woman . She leaves a grand legacy through her children snd her grandchildren . Rest in Peace ☘️
We send our condolences to the Foley family. Marge was a treasured neighbor and we appreciated the baked goods that she shared with our parents, John and Jeannette Fulchiron. May she Rest In Peace.
Love and prayers to all the Foley family…
Deepest sympathy to Uncle Brendan, children, spouses and grandchildren. Sorry we can’t make the trip from Ireland at this sad time for you all. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace Marge.
Our deepest sympathies, such a wonderful lady and loving family.