Barbara Shirley (Day) Foley

Barbara Shirley Foley passed away peacefully at Mercy Hospital in Portland, ME on the morning of August 9, 2017. Her only son, Craig, was by her side. Barbara was born on September 13, 1930 to parents Grace (Moore) Day and Chester Day. She was the second of three children and is predeceased by brothers, Donald and Kenneth Day and sisters-in-law Ginny and Jean Day. Barbara grew up in Hollis Center, ME and attended Hollis High School. Graduating in 1948, Barbara had the distinction of reading the Honors Essay at the ceremony. After high school, Barbara earned a secretarial certificate from the Northeastern Business College. On February 6, 1955 Barbara married Gilbert Wallace Foley, and on January 4, 1963, they welcomed their only child, Craig Alan Foley. The family lived primarily in the Westbrook area where Barbara held a number of positions including operating a ‘mom and pop’ convenience store with her husband. For many years prior to her retirement, she served as a guard in the women’s facility at the Maine Correctional Center in Windham. Family always came first for Barbara. She adored her son and often said that the births of her two grandchildren, Alexandra and Samuel, were two of the best days in her life. When Barbara was admitted to Mercy a few days before her death, she tucked two recent photographs —one of each grandchild —into her purse to carry with her. She was a wonderful and loving grandmother who reveled in reading stories, playing games, baking treats and taking her grandchildren on small adventures. Her fondest memories were of the annual week-long summer visits from each of her grandchildren when they were small. Her open-hearted and welcoming nature extended to children of neighbors and old friends, happily inviting them in for snacks and play time. Barbara loved Irish music, cooking for her family, watching the Red Sox, playing scrabble with her dear friend, and visits from her beloved grandchildren. Unfailingly kind and generous, Barbara was a consummate nurturer and quietly took care of her husband while he battled multiple medical issues until his death in 1999. Shortly thereafter, Barbara welcomed her mother, Grace, into her home after a house fire and looked after Grace until she passed away in 2011 at age 101. Barbara is survived by son, Craig Alan Foley of Melrose, MA; daughter-in-law Sarah Jane (Sally) Spiers; granddaughter Alexandra Grace Foley; and grandson Samuel Charles Foley all of Melrose, MA. She is also survived by niece Dawn (Day) Drown and nephews Douglas McPherson, Derryl McPherson and Dennis Day; and many beloved cousins, extended family members and friends. Services will be private. Arrangements are under the care of Blais and Hay Funeral Home, Westbrook. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Barbara’s name to The Incarcerated Women’s Program of Family Crisis Services in Portland, ME – PO Box 704 Portland, ME 04104 800.537.6066. Online condolences can be expressed at blaisandhayfuneralhome.com