Theresa Foley

Terry was born on Sept. 21, 1936. She was the firstborn of Gene, a watchmaker, and Josephine Grisafi (née Flacconio). Her paternal grandfather, Luigi “Louis” Grisafi, was among the earliest members of the U.S. Secret Service and lived to the age of 105.

Her brother, Joseph “Sonny,” was born when Terry was 5. The tender bonds of love and affection they formed in early childhood endured throughout their lives.

Terry attended and graduated from Bayside High School, where she formed close friendships that lasted a lifetime.

On Jasmine Avenue in Flushing, she met Peter Foley, a local Irish kid nicknamed “Red” for his bright red hair. She fondly recalled the toothpick that dangled from his mouth when they first met.

Red wrote to her often during his service in the U.S. Army in Europe. Upon his return, they dated, fell in love, and began building a life together.

They were married on June 3, 1956, at St. Luke Roman Catholic Church in Whitestone and welcomed their first child, John, the following year. Sons James and Joseph and daughter Theresa Ann followed at two-year intervals.

Terry and Red worked hard to provide for their growing family. Red earned a paycheck from the New York City Transit Authority, while Terry held various jobs, including secretary, school crossing guard, dental hygienist, and finally bookkeeper at Sears, Roebuck and Co., where she remained for more than two decades.

After their children left the family home on Rose Avenue in Flushing, Terry and Red wintered in Spanish Lakes, Florida, becoming part of a close-knit retirement community.

During these years, Terry embraced new adventures. She rode camels in Morocco and traveled throughout the Italian peninsula, the homeland of her ancestors.

At Spanish Lakes, she and Red spent afternoons at the clubhouse playing bocce and evenings playing board games with friends. She especially enjoyed Friday night bingo, poolside Rummy-Q, and Tuck with Red and their neighbors. The friendships they formed with fellow snowbirds were among the most cherished of their lives.

Each spring, the Foleys returned north to be with their family. They were a constant and loving presence in the lives of their seven grandchildren, who affectionately knew them as “Grandma and Pop.”

Terry is remembered for her infectious laughter and warm, outgoing spirit. Above all, she is remembered for her deep and abiding love for her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Peter Foley, and her brother, Joseph Grisafi.

She is survived by her sons John (Paula), James (Angela), and Joseph (Yvonne); her daughter, Theresa (Randy); her grandchildren Amanda, Kelly (Tyler), Megan, Raymond, Rachel, Kate, and Claire; and her nephew, Joseph.

Friends and family are invited to a wake on Wednesday, Feb. 18, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Frederick Funeral Home, 192-15 Northern Blvd., Flushing, NY.

A funeral Mass will be offered Thursday, Feb. 19, at 10:45 a.m. at Mary’s Nativity Church, 46-02 Parsons Blvd., Flushing, NY.