WORCESTER

Mildred H. (McCrealy) Foley passed away peacefully from natural causes at the Ichabod Washburn Hospice Residence on April 10.

Daughter of John A. and H. Agnes(Stanton) McCrealy, she was born in Worcester, in 1917. Mildred is predeceased by her husband, John F. Foley who passed away in 2001. The oldest of four sisters, Mildred survived the passing of Florence J. Lane O’Neal, Marie Gaidis, and Nita J. Woelflein.

She leaves three children, Jack Foley and his wife Lori (Renada) Foley of Lincoln, William T. Foley and his wife Patricia A. (Shea) Foley of Worcester and her daughter, Mary E. Adie and her husband Richard D. Adie of Ithaca, NY; grandchildren Timothy P. Foley and wife Patricia (Quirk) Foley, Sarah K. Lawlor and her husband Sean Lawlor, Matthew S. Foley and girlfriend Corrie Guinen, Ben Foley, Mike Foley, Patrick J. Adie, and Mary Katherine Adie; and great grandsons Liam and Will Lawlor.

Mildred graduated from Ascension High School in Worcester and Forsyth Dental School in Boston. She was a long-time member of the American Dental Hygienist Association, the Massachusetts Dental Hygienist Association, and the Worcester District Dental Hygienist Association. Mildred had a long career as a dental hygienist. Graduating from Forsyth, Mildred first began working in Southbridge for Doctor E. LeClair in 1937. After marrying, she continued her much-loved profession as a hygienist at the dental offices of the late Dr. Everett Graham, Dr. Nicholas Bonofilio and Dr. Robert McCarthy before retiring in 2002.

Mildred was a life-long member of Our Lady of the Angels parish, and served as an officer in the PTA at OLA grammar school when her children were young. Her affiliations with Christ the King Catholic Church Lady’s Auxiliary, the Notre Dame Alumnae Association, and the Guild of Our Lady of Providence, often brought Mildred together with cherished friends. She was also a supporter of the annual Knights of Columbus- sponsored John F. Foley Memorial Walkathon.

Among her many hobbies Mildred most enjoyed sewing and hand tailoring her wardrobe with intricate detail. Matching hats, coats, scarves, gloves, and purses were her hallmark, no matter where she went. She read much, loved gardening, floral arranging, and entertaining with style for many holidays and special occasions. Her most beloved memories were times spent at Hampton and Seabrook Beaches, surrounded by her sisters, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Mildred and her husband John had a great passion for ballroom dancing and enjoyed many years as active members of the Worcester Dance Assembly. As matriarch of the ever-expanding McCrealy clan, she especially looked forward to hosting the annual “Family Christmas Reunion”, held at the Worcester Knights of Columbus Hall. Mildred will always be remembered for her devotion to her family, a generous heart, an ever-present smile, and quick-witted sense of humor.

All funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April 17, with visiting hours from 9-10:30 am at CALLAHAN & FAY BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 61 Myrtle Street followed by Mass at 11 am at Our Lady of the Angels Church, 1222 Main Street. Burial will follow at St. John’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the John F. Foley Memorial Walkathon-Alhambra Council #88 Knights of Columbus, 44 Circuit Ave. North, Worcester, MA 01603. Please visit www.callahanfay.com for directions and online condolence book.