Kathleen Foley

Kathleen was born on February 3, 1957, in Hartford, Connecticut, and was raised by her parents, Leona Foley and Al Foley. She was preceded in death by her older brother Marty, and is survived by her younger siblings, brothers Thomas and Kevin, and her sister Aileen.

Driven by her passion for art, Kathleen graduated from Old Saybrook High School in 1975, painting her own self portrait as her senior photo. Subsequently, she attended the Massachusetts College of Art in Boston where she obtained her Bachelors degree. In her younger years, she explored many artistic mediums, including drawing, painting, pottery, and glass art. These experiences helped shape her lifelong creative identity.

Art remained an essential part of Kathleen’s life. Pottery became her primary medium, and she maintained studios both at her parents’ home and later her own. She worked hands-on with kilns and created a wide variety of handmade pieces. Her creative work reflected her intellect, curiosity and care.

Old Saybrook was always her home, where she returned after a short stint in Boston and would remain the rest of her life. She married Bob Simoni, and together they had three sons: Jason, Matthew and Gabriel. Later divorced, Kathleen devoted herself fully to raising her boys in Old Saybrook.

Though she was an artist by training and nature, Kathleen’s greatest role was being a mother. She centered her time, energy, and attention on raising her three sons, always putting their needs first, and ensuring they would be kind and successful members of society.

She is survived by her sons, Jason Simoni (and his partner Samantha), Matthew Simoni (and his wife Christine), and Gabriel Simoni; and by her beloved grandchildren, Olivia (7) and Dillion (4), who share a similar penchant for her art.

Professionally, Kathleen worked for the Town of Old Saybrook and was deeply rooted in her community. She was a frequent attendee of Town Hall meetings, and as many know well, always had an opinion to be voiced.

Kathleen was also well known throughout Old Saybrook for riding her bicycle around town. She could often be seen pedaling along local roads in all seasons, steadily making her way from place to place. It was a simple, familiar sight that became part of the rhythm of the community, and one that reflected her independence, determination, and connection to the town she loved.

Kathleen loved to travel and explore, finding joy in new places and experiences throughout her life.

Kathleen will be remembered as a devoted mother, a lifelong artist, and a woman whose fierce strength, creativity, and presence shaped the lives of those around her. She was heard in every room she walked into. Her legacy lives on through her children, grandchildren, and the many works of art she created by hand — and in the memories of those who saw her riding through town, living her life simply and on her own terms.

Services will be held on Friday, February 13, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John’s Church in Old Saybrook, Connecticut.