Mary Mahony Foye

Mary Patricia (Mahony) Foye, 88, formerly of Elizabeth, N.J., passed away peacefully on August 8, 2024, at her home in Bucksport, Maine, with her children at her side. She was known for her love of children, Irish ceili dancing, and spreading kindness. Mary was full of fun, laughter and joy every day of her life. She was a loving wife, Mom, grandmother, great grandmother, and a friend to many.

Mary was born on St. Patrick’s Day on a beautiful dairy farm in Ballinard, Cordal Parish, Castleisland, County Kerry, Ireland, as one of 6 children. She was captain of the Camogie team.

Mary immigrated to Elizabeth, New Jersey, in 1955, with her sister Peggy. She worked as a switchboard operator. Mary soon spotted a handsome bus driver from Sligo, Ireland, with twinkling blue eyes. Martin Foye was the man of her dreams and the love of her life. He fondly called her “the girl from the Top of the Hill”. They courted at Irish dances at the Benzell Hotel and McGovern’s in Newark. They married at the Immaculate Conception church in Elizabeth, NJ, and attended St. Mary of the Assumption parish in Elizabeth for 60 years.

They raised 5 children, who all adored their dear Mom. She taught them love, kindness, and Irish dancing. The lively house at 513 Grier was full of fun and play. Everyone who visited her home received an amazing Irish welcome, a heart-warming hug and a place at the dinner table.

Mary’s passion was Irish dancing, which she said was “uplifting of body, mind, and soul”. After every night out dancing she proclaimed, “it was the BEST EVER!”

Mary was predeceased by her husband Martin, her brothers Jeremiah and Michael Mahony, and her sisters Eileen Collins and Margaret "Peggy" Shelly.

Mary is survived by her sister Bridie Mahony; her 5 children (Maureen and her husband Matt Murphy, Marty and his wife Marcia, Michael, Sean, Patrick and his wife Sarah); her 3 grandchildren (Madison, Mackenzie, and Adam); and her 2 great grandsons (Damian and Michael).

Mary’s many nieces, nephews, other relatives, fellow Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Iselin Ceili Group, and other friends will fondly remember her warm smile, her joyful spirit, and her lively Irish dancing.

Martin is now welcoming her into heaven and no doubt has a story or two to tell her. Now that Mary has arrived, heaven is surely a lot more fun, and she has them all out dancing. Up the Kingdom!

A wake and celebration of Mary’s life will be held on Monday, August 19, 2024, from 4-8pm at Krowicki McCracken Funeral Home, 2124 East Saint Georges Ave, Linden, NJ 07036, across from Warinanco Park. krowickifuneralhome.com. Bring your favorite stories. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, August 20, at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, 155 Washington Ave, Elizabeth, followed by a burial at St. Gertrude’s Cemetery in Colonia.

Please spread the news, especially to those who are not online.

Also, please comment below with your best stories about Mary as we all celebrate her life.