Mrs. Marilyn R. (Downey) Foley

LECANTO, FL/FRANKFORT, NY – Mrs. Marilyn R. (Downey) Foley, age 81, passed away on Thursday, October 17, 2024, in the comfort and dignity of her home. Born in Utica on August 18, 1943, Marilyn was the daughter of the late William J. “Bill” and Rosemary (Holmes) Downey. She was a graduate of Clinton High School/Class of 1962. Marilyn wed Robert M. Foley on October 14, 1972. Just this year they celebrated 52 years of marriage together. Marilyn held employment in offices at Hamilton College, Utica National Insurance Group, and Medical Economic Bureau. She also worked several years in the Cotton Candy Trailer for a local ride company. A snowbird, Marilyn enjoyed spending six months at her home in Lecanto, FL and summering for six months in Frankfort, NY. At the time of her passing, she was preparing for her annual migration. Marilyn was a beautiful and loving wife, devoted to the needs of her family. A fantastic mother who always took time for her children, she was also a terrific grandma and great-grandma, being lovingly referred to as “Gigi.” She was a meticulous homemaker and wonderful hostess. She loved to celebrate the holidays and always put on a bounteous feast. Marilyn was selfless and always lent her ear to whomever needed to talk. She offered her opinions, but at the end of the conversation, remained truly supportive. She willingly made sacrifices to benefit her family, even passing on opportunities to be there for her children. Marilyn was a member of the Frankfort Center Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, the Leatherstocking Hattitudes (Red Hat Society), and the Salma Chapter 193 of the Order of the Eastern Star. She was an avid reader, crossword maven, and master of local trivia. A bit of an adventurer, Marilyn delighted in traveling. Her adventures included having cruised the Mediterranean Sea, the Caribbean Sea, and the Moselle River. She and Bob also thoroughly enjoyed several trips to Europe. Marilyn is survived by her husband, Robert; daughter and son-in-law, Marilyn and Tim Ploof; and her sons Michael, and Ryan. She cherished the memory of her daughter, Virginia Mary Williams, who passed away on June 30, 1995. She further leaves to cherish her memory her 18 grandchildren, Ken Griffin, Ashley and Jerry Guyer, Abril Palmer, Mike and Teshia Williams, Caitlin and Dylan Roberts, Aaron and Sarah VanValkenburg, Shelby Williams, Kate Showers, Julian Foley, Bowen Foley, Cassidy Foley, Tim and Alyssa Ploof, and Kristy and Steven Berggren; 19 great-grandchildren; and brother, William “Bill” and Dee Downey of Ohio. She fondly remembered her sister and brother-in-law, Maureen A. and Leslie T. Bali; and brother, Allan J. Downey, all of whom preceded her. She is additionally survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins; sister-in-law and best friend, Jacqueline “Jacquie” Effner (the late Mark “Floppy” Effner), and brother-in-law, Dale Foley; and special friends, Mary Don Dillard, MaryAnn Vogel, and Vickie Fife. She was additionally predeceased by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Robert W. “Father” and Olera (Ervin) Foley; and grandson, Gunner. The family would like to extend their gratitude to Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc. for their care and compassion; and their friends and neighbors who stopped by during Marilyn’s illness. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, from 3:00-5:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Marilyn’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence at 5:00 p.m. at the funeral home. For those unable to attend, you may be present virtually at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83483817291. Interment will take place in West Schuyler Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mrs. Marilyn R. (Downey) Foley

August 18, 1943 - October 17, 2024