Mary Rohan Foley
Mary was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on February 22, 1926, to Ruth LaRue Rohan and Laurence Byron Rohan. The Rohans moved to Miami, FL when Mary was a little girl. She was the oldest daughter in a family of nine, and was often seen as a second mother by her younger siblings, especially by her little brother Neil, whom she taught to read.
In 1943, she graduated from Gesu High School and soon after met her husband, Daniel Foley, who was stationed in Miami during World War II. They were married on February 11, 1946, at St. Dominic’s Catholic Church, in Eagle Rock. Mary bravely traveled alone by train from Miami to Los Angeles to marry her sweetheart, and then returned with Dan to Miami to complete his education.
Dan and Mary moved to California after Dan graduated from the University of Miami in 1948. After living in Eagle Rock and La Puente, they finally settled in Tustin in 1958, where they raised their nine children (b. 1946 - 1965). Mary loved music, art and poetry. She was active in the St. Cecilia Church Choir, was an avid painter and composed verse, which she published under the pen name of Coletta Rohan. In 1998, she sent a volume of her work to the Vatican and received a written commendation from Pope John Paul II, which she framed and displayed in her dining room. Mary cherished her Catholic faith, regularly attending Mass, participating in the church Mission Group, and raising and educating her children to live the Catholic catechism. Gardening was a special passion of Mary’s. She spent many years growing and tending the various trees and plants on the Foley property, and she had a special place in her heart for the rose bushes she planted and lovingly cared for year after year. In later years, and with the kids grown, Mary loved to travel with Dan, especially to their favorite destination, Hawaii. They loved Hawaii so much that they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in Maui with all their children and grandchildren, generously paying everyone’s way. Mary loved a good party, and enjoyed having a good time at family get-togethers.
After Dan passed away in 2018, Mary became a resident at Las Palmas Assisted Living, where she quickly became “Miss Mary” to the residents and staff. Her lively conversation and great sense of humor were often commented upon by her fellow Las Palmas residents, whenever one of her children came to visit. In addition to being a wonderful wife and mother, Mary was a devoted daughter and sister. Over the years, even with the great distance involved, she maintained relationships by mail and phone with all her siblings, especially with her brothers Robert (Bobo) and Neil, and her sisters Therese and Ann. She also wrote to her mother nearly once a week until she passed in 1981.
Mary’s vocation was motherhood, the most important of all. She took care of all of us, children and grandchildren, with love and care. And she was a devoted, loving and compassionate wife to Dan for 72 years.
We will miss you, Mom.
Mary is survived by her 9 children (Dan Jr., Kathleen, Barbara, Carolyn, Ann, Joyce, Patrick, Kevin and Michael), 16 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Therese Heeb.
Services will be held at St. Thomas More Catholic Parish in Irvine.
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Mary was such a kind and loving person. When my husband Don and I met in California and decided to marry a month after we met, Mary and Kathleen (If I am remembering correctly!) attended our ceremony and then took us to lunch to celebrate our wedding. Over the years as I was traveling to California from the east coast, I was able to visit with Mary and Dan and on several occasions, have dinner with them at a local restaurant. It was so wonderful to be able to see them and have time to be with this part of our family who lived so far away! Over the years, we continued to exchange cards and letters and I do have a copy of her Cottage Poetry.
Mary will be greatly missed by her family and friends and especially by my mother, her sister Therese. Mary and Therese were very close and spoke to each other a least a couple of times a week. Therese will greatly miss her!
Our sincere condolences to our Foley family. Our love and prayers are sent to all of you.
Karen and Don Bird