Barbara A. (Thomsen) Foley

Mrs. Barbara A. (Thomsen) Foley, age 53, of Utica, passed away on Monday, December 15, 2008 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center with her family by her side. Born in Brooklyn, NY on February 11, 1955, Barbara was the daughter of the late Francis F. and Minnie (Pagano) Thomsen. She was raised and educated in Utica. On April 3, 1998 she was joined in a blessed union of marriage with Craig W. Foley. Barbara worked for several years as a nurse’s aide at the Katherine Luther Home. She was the matriarch of her family, and they were the mainstay of her life. She assisted loved ones, friends, and anyone who may have been in need of a helping hand or a sympathetic heart. She was an avid bingo player and a parishioner of St. Agnes Church. Barbara is survived by her husband, Craig; her daughters and their families, Saharah VanValkenburgh and companion Lance DeCarlo, Venus VanValkenburgh and companion Howard Morton, and Naseem and Herbert Roman, all of Utica; her son and daughter-in-law, Tom and Paula VanValkenburgh of Utica; her grandchildren, Nicole, Austin, Lance, Christopher, Joey, Alexandria, Gabby, Lucas, and Dylan; and her step-children, Kristin Foley, and Kimberly LaValley, both of Utica. Survivors also include her sisters and brother-in-law, Mary Thomsen of FL, Dottie and Joseph Adroved of MD, and Regina Marie Thomsen of Utica; her brother, Francis F. Thomsen of Utica; her foster siblings, Katherine D. Luckina, Geraldine and Chuck Lucenti, Sharon Conwell, and Lydia Snyder; her many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. She also leaves her dear and cherished friend, Kitty. She was predeceased by her nephews, Francis Thomsen III, and Joseph A. Adroved, Jr. The family expresses heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Raouf Kodsy, Dr. Atul Butala and his staff, and the nurses and staff of the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center, especially Virginia, Lynn, and Alen, for the care and attention rendered to Barbara. Visitation will be held Friday from 4:00-6:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Barbara’s funeral service and Mass of Christian Burial which will be celebrated on Saturday morning at 10:00 at St. Agnes Church.

Barbara A. (Thomsen) Foley

February 11, 1955 - December 15, 2008