Eileen M. Foley

1939 – 2023

West Springfield - Eileen Mary (Carroll) Foley, 84, died peacefully Sunday evening surrounded by her loving family.  Eileen was born in Springfield, the daughter of the late Edward and Mary (Landers) Carroll.  She grew up in Springfield and had lived in West Springfield for the past 59 years.  Eileen was a proud graduate of Sacred Heart High School and College of Our Lady of the Elms, valuing the role that her Catholic education played in her life.

Eileen met her husband Tommy at an Irish dance in Holyoke, and they enjoyed 60 years of marriage together. They raised three children and established a life together that revolved around their faith, their family and their friends.

Eileen cherished her family and friends, and she and Tommy enjoyed entertaining their loved ones with dinner parties, Christmas Eve parties that became a Foley family tradition, and always hosting Thanksgiving dinners.

While working full-time and raising three children, Eileen attended Westfield State College evenings earning her Certificate in Library Science.  A lifelong learner and avid reader, Eileen later earned her Master's Degree, also from Westfield State College.

Eileen was a longtime elementary school educator and librarian in the Springfield Public School Department, and graciously retired in 2002.  She touched many lives in her career as former students and co-workers could attest.  As a lover of Irish music, Eileen never saw a St. Patrick's Day celebration that she could resist. The Bowles School celebration went on the entire month of March and was a must-see event.

Eileen spent her life primarily striving to be a great wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.  Eileen took great interest in her grandchildren and was unconditionally supportive of them.

Her husband of 60 years, Thomas V. Foley died last March.  She leaves three children: Mary Foley Walsh and husband Jeffrey of Hopkinton, John E. Foley and wife Danae (Psilopoulos) of Wellesley, and Thomas J. Foley of Newton.  Eileen will miss her four wonderful and supportive grandchildren:  Alison and Kathryn Walsh and Charlie and Teddy Foley.  Besides her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her brother William J. Carroll.  The Funeral will be held at the West Springfield Curran-Jones Funeral Home Friday, October 6th at 10:00 A.M. with Liturgy at Sacred Heart Church at 11:00 A.M. followed by burial in St. Thomas Cemetery.  Visiting hours will be held Thursday from 4:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M.  For online condolences please visit curranjones.com.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of the Elms at 291 Springfield St., Chicopee, MA 01013 or the Sacred Heart Church Renovation Fund at 395 Chestnut Street, Springfield, MA  01104.