Obituary of Betty J. Foley

Betty Jane Foley, 68, wife of Frank S. Foley, died at her Bangor home, Sept. 2, 2018 following  a six year illness with dementia. Betty faced this life event with great faith, courage, dignity and grace. Betty was born in Houlton Nov. 14, 1949, a daughter of Frank Willard and Shirley Gwendolyn (Boone) Way. She grew up in Hampden, graduating from the Academy in 1967 and that year married Michael J. Pooler. Together they raised three active girls. Betty was a devoted wife, mother and homemaker and worked with Mike in their various businesses, Brewer Card & Gift, Rogerson’s Variety Stores, Fashion Way Boutique as well as owning several apartment buildings. Betty was athletic enjoying downhill skiing and swimming. She loved to dance. She made time to continue her education earning a BS at the University of Maine and a MS at Springfield College. She retired as project director for Medical Care Development having supervised management of several group homes from Biddeford to Bangor. She was dedicated to the residents’ wellbeing and was a firm advocate for the rights of the mentally ill. Mike died suddenly while hiking the Gulf Hagas Trail with his family.  In 1999, Betty and Frank married at St. Mary’s Church where they both were communicants. She continued to work for Medical Care Development and assisted Frank at Foley Funeral Service which also was the family home at 299 Union St.

Together they enjoyed their blended family and had fun! There were dinner parties, birthday parties, lobster picnics at Young’s in Belfast, dances with a special group of friends, summer fun at Camp Sophia at Lucerne, June weekends on Monhegan and Caribbean cruises that were ever memorable. Their recent winters were spent at home in Fort Myers where family and friends were always welcome. Betty was a longtime member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority. She served in St. Mary’s School Board and volunteered for the PTA and was a board member of Atrium House. She was a faith filled Catholic and tried to live each day by always doing for others. She exemplified, “Love thy neighbor”. She was also a longtime Red Cross Blood donor and volunteer for many worthy causes.

In addition to her husband, Frank, she is survived by her daughters, Karen Pooler (Crystal), Renee Hunter (John “Will”), Angela Libbey (Eric); Frank’s sons, Steven Foley (Kate), Matthew Foley and two special women who were very dear, Emily Connors and Sarah Smith; eight grandchildren, Ben & Ella Hunter, Eric and Hazel Libbey, James and Kyle Foley, Henry and Nora Foley; a sister, Edwina Veillette; a brother and sister-in-law, Stewart and Arlene Way; a sister-in-law, Sandra Way; several nieces, nephews and Canadian cousins. Betty had many wonderful friends and co-workers and thoughtful neighbors and remained close to her Pooler in-laws. She greatly enjoyed time spent with her second in-laws, Frank’s family. She was predeceased by a brother, Claude Way, a much loved granddaughter, Sophia Hunter and beloved nephew, Timothy Craig.

Family and friends may visit 3 to 7 PM Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018 at Kiley & Foley Funeral Service, 299 Union St., Bangor. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 2:30 PM Friday Sept. 7, 2018 at St. Paul the Apostle Parish, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Ohio St., Bangor. Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Bangor. Her family extends special thanks to the caring staff of St. Joseph Hospice, to Joe Kiley for his many acts of kindness since acquiring the funeral home in 2007 and to Fr. Frank Murray for his compassion and service to this family over many years. Those who wish may make memorials to St. Joseph Hospice, PO Box 403, Bangor, ME  04401-0403, to All Saints Catholic School, PO Box 1749, Bangor, ME 04402-1749 or to a favorite charity. Messages and memories of Betty may be shared with her family at kileyandfoley.com.