Mary A. Kelleher Foley, Scranton, known to her fellow bandmembers as Rusty, died Sunday evening at Marywood Heights following a long illness. Her husband was the late Captain Eugene G Foley of the Scranton Fire Department who died in 1994.
Born in Scranton, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Catherine Rafferty Kelleher.
Mary most enjoyed her six beautiful grandchildren and listening to jazz. She was an avid reader of both mystery novels and the times. She loved animals especially feeding her beloved birds. She was a lifelong nature lover. After graduation from Marywood Seminary, she boarded a train to Cleveland where she joined the Cleveland Browns majorettes, from there she moved on to join several all girl bands and toured the country with the Joy Cayler Orchestra, The Pat Sheridan Quartet and Merv Griffin. Mary also entertained troops in Greenland, Japan and South Korea as part of the USO tour.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband, her parents and her beloved brothers Joe, Danny and Jimmy Kelleher.
The family would like to thank the staff at Marywood Heights for their loving care. Also a special thank you to Susan Foley for spending countless hours with Mary.
Surviving are a daughter Mary Jean (Bean) Lynett and husband Bill; son CW04 Sean A Foley USCG and wife Colleen; Grandchildren Kathryn Foley, Meghan Foley, Brigid Lynett, Jean Lynett, Sean Foley and Matthew Foley; several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 11 AM in Our Lady of Snows Church, 301 South State St., Clarks Summit PA 18411.
Friends may call Saturday from 10 AM to 11 AM at the church. Interment will be private in Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton.
In lieu of flowers The family would appreciate a donation to Marywood Heights, Allied Services Hospice or a charity of the donors choice.
Ann Kelleher Lattanzi
Sorry to hear of Mary’s passing. She was a beautiful person who always had a smile and warm welcome for you no matter how long it had been since she had last seen you.
I remember seeing her after one of her trips abroad to entertain the troops. Last time I saw her was at my brother Bob Kelleher’s retirement luncheon with my cousin Helen. Again the beautiful smile.
Go in peace Mary. You weee an angel on earth and now in heaven.
Ann Kelleher Lattanzi
JoAnn Foley
Dear Mary Jean and Sean,
I’m saddened to hear of the passing of Aunt Mary. She was a very kind and giving person. I was amazed to read about her many talents and accomplishments in her life.
I will not be able to attend the service tomorrow due to a previous commitment. Please accept my sincere condolences. I will always remember her and your family in my daily prayers.
JoAnn Foley
JoAnn Marchese Foley
Dear Mary Jean and Sean,
I am very sorry to hear about the passing of Aunt Mary. She was a very kind and giving person. I was amazed to read about the many accomplishments she experienced in her lifetime.
I will not be able to attend today because of a previous commitment. My sincere condolences to you and your family.
John Romanaskas
Bill, Bean and Sean,
Sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.
May she rest in peace.