Joan Arlys Foley

Joan Foley passed away peacefully on December 22, 2022, her birthday, with family at her side from complications of Alzheimer’s disease. She dealt with the disease with the life-long traits of courage, determination and concern for how the disease was affecting her loved ones.

Joan was born December 22, 1937 in Scotland, South Dakota to Oscar and Elda (Fischer) Hille. She graduated from high school in Tyndall, S.D. in 1955 and began her 67-year marriage to Donald Foley that same year. Joan was a stay-at-home Mom to the couple’s six children.

Joan earned an AA degree in Early Childhood Education and became the teacher and partner/owner of McBean Park Preschool in Lincoln, CA.

Following her retirement from the Preschool, she enjoyed helping to operate the Blue Goose Produce store in Loomis, CA.

Joan was happiest while helping her children and grandchildren reach their goals whether in academics, sports, music or special events. She volunteered at the school libraries and was involved in many community activities including Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Little League and the local food bank. She enjoyed sewing, crocheting, baking, making school projects with her children and grandchildren and Greek and clogging dancing.

Joan is survived by her children Catherine Cordova, Mark Foley, Carolina McSharey, Joseph Foley and Steven Foley, grandchildren Amanda (Donald) Harrington, Amoreena Lukens, Abraham Lukens, Elaine (Nick) Mamola, Wade Foley and great grandchildren Indiana Mamola, Juliet Mamola, Amelia Harrington and Daivanee Lukens. Joan is also survived by her husband Donald and sister Shirley Sutera.

Joan was predeceased by her parents, brothers Lawrence Hille and Robert Hille, two brothers in infancy, son James Foley and grandson Joseph Foley, Jr.