Obituary of Kathryn E. Foley

Blooming Grove, NY

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Kathryn E. Foley, who left us on February 26, 2025, surrounded by her family. Born on April 15, 1940, Kathryn was a beloved member of our community, known for her kindness, volunteerism and vibrant spirit.

Kathryn was born in Manhattan to Charles and Elizabeth Buckley, and spent her early years surrounded by family and friends growing up in Merrick, Long Island. She graduated from Katherine Gibbs School of Business and continued her education at Riviere College and New Paltz giving her the knowledge to start her successful career in Real Estate as both an Agent and a Broker, owning her own business for many years.

Kathryn had a distinguished career, earning the respect of her peers. Her dedication and hard work were evident in all her endeavors, and she made significant contributions to the field serving as President of the Multiple Listing Service and President of the Woman’s Counsel of Realtors. Kathryn retired in 2008 and enjoyed her retirement years participating in several book clubs, bridge clubs and mahjong clubs, meeting many people who became close and dear friends.

Kathryn was devoted to her family and was deeply cherished as the heart of the family. She is survived by her two daughters, Karen Blizard (Jeffrey) and Laura Field (David) and her son Kevin Foley (Geri); her grandchildren Philip Foley (Tamara), Meghan Field, Jack Foley, Sophia Field, Matthew Foley, and Phineas Field and her great grandchildren, Kathryn and Colin Foley; two brothers, Kenneth Buckley (Rosemary), and John Buckley; her sister-in-law Maryann Buckley; her brother-in-law Vincent Shaw and many cherished nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her beloved friend Ruth Manyin who has been like a sister celebrating life’s best moments together for most of their lives. Kathryn is predeceased by her parents, Charles and Elizabeth, a sister Eleanor Schumann (Robert) and a sister in law Martha Shaw. She is also predeceased by her beloved husband George. Kathryn and George shared a wonderful life together with their children, traveling around the world, hosting countless parties that Kathryn happily planned and cooked all herself (her kitchen was a warm and cozy spot), but they both loved raising their family and living at Tomahawk Lake the most, sharing many memories with neighbors who are friends as well as family. Kathryn loved her neighborhood and all the fun times, particularly her Christmas Eve open house.

Kathryn's legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched. Her warmth, compassion, and unwavering support will be remembered by all who knew her. She contributed to our lives in many ways, through her lifetime dedicated to helping others, Kathryn was the first woman to be appointed to the Zoning Board of Appeals where she served for 10 years; Recreation Commissioner for Blooming Grove serving for 10 years; A volunteer at Hospice; A Charter member and President of the Kiwanis Club; On the Advisory Board for the Neighbors for Neighbors. She was President of the Washingtonville Chamber of Commerce and President of the Rotary Club of Washingtonville. She was President of the PTA throughout her children’s school years. She was also a member of the Junior League of Orange County and a member of the Catholic Daughters of St. Mary’s Washingtonville. She served as Secretary on the Board of Directors for the Friends of the Moffat Library. Kathryn also wrote a weekly column for the Orange County Post called “Around Tomahawk Lake.” And served on the Tomahawk Lake Board for 15 years, six as President.

In honor of Kathryn's memory, the family requests that donations be made to American Cancer Society, (donate.cancer.org), which was close to her heart.

There will be no visitation or service. The family is planning a private family burial.

A celebration of her life will be held at a later time, where friends and family will gather to celebrate Kathryn's life and share their fondest memories. Kathryn would say “Bring no sad songs for me” Rejoice with a good Irish party for her life was a very long good one.

Funeral arrangements are honorably entrusted to Zygmunt-Murtie Funeral and Cremation Service - 845-477-8240 or visit www.zmmemorials.com.