Kathryn Foley

Obituary of Kathryn Foley

Kathryn “Kate” Foley, entered eternal life on September 17, 2021 in St. Paul, MN. She was born in Belleville, NJ, the daughter of Constance Gayle and the late James Patrick Foley. She lived for several years in Sykesville, MD before moving to New Milford, CT. Kate was named as a National Merit finalist while attending Immaculate HS in Danbury, CT. She graduated from Cornell University with a BS in Ecology and a Master of Science in Education. Following college, she worked as an Outdoor Educator for Outward Bound in Maine, Florida, and Minnesota. She was the first female to work with Colonel Bob Rheault and the VA PTSD Vietnam Veterans' units. She ultimately made her home in Minnesota, first in Minneapolis and finally in St. Paul. She had a career as a Senior Systems Analyst at Medtronic, where she received several honors for her work. She was known for not only her intelligence, but her strong spirit, candid personality, sharp wit, and generosity. Outside of work, Kate was extremely active. She loved the outdoors, enjoying kayaking, rowing, sailing, hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. She was a food connoisseur, and belonged to numerous groups and clubs, including a beloved cooking group, several book clubs, and a mom's club. Kate played the violin, took voice lessons, and loved to travel. She spoke several languages, including Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, and French. Her fondest recollections included volunteering her kayaking skills, camping with friends at the Apostle Islands, Thanksgiving dinners with an ethnic theme, spending time in Cuzco, Peru, climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, and race-walking marathons, including New York City, Dublin, and Honolulu. Her travels took her all over the world including the Arctic Circle, Ireland, Tuscany, Spain, Tibet, Beijing, Tanzania, Australia, and India. She intended to travel to Antarctica and the Falklands this November, where she would have accomplished her goal of traveling to every continent. She is survived by her mother Constance; her brother James J. Foley (Carol); her sisters Margaret E. Gillen (W. Peter) and Sharon P. Michalek (Gregory); her niece; three nephews; four grandnieces; and her two cats, Bella, and Samba. She was pre-deceased by her father, a sister (Mary Elizabeth) and a nephew (Mark W. Gillen). The family wants to thank the staff and hospice team of Regions Hospital, St. Paul, and Kate’s many friends for their continuous care and support during her long illness and final days. We are very grateful to all. Memorial service 12Noon Friday October 15, at Willwerscheid Funeral Home, 1167 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-228-1006. Family and friends will gather beginning at 11AM. There will be a Memorial Mass of Christian Burial at St. Francis Xavier Church in New Milford, CT on Saturday, October 23, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. followed by the burial at St. Francis Cemetery. Kate requested that no flowers be sent, but friends may contribute to their favorite charity. Memorial service 12Noon Friday October 15, at Willwerscheid Funeral Home, 1167 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-228-1006. Family and friends will gather beginning at 11AM. There will be a Memorial Mass of Christian Burial at St. Francis Xavier Church in New Milford, CT on Saturday, October 23, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. followed by the burial at St. Francis Cemetery. Kate requested that no flowers be sent, but friends may contribute to their favorite charity.
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We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Willwerscheid Funeral Home & Cremation Service - Grand Avenue Chapel
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