Phyllis (Byrne) Foley

Philomena “Phyllis,” “Phyl” Foley née Byrne, age 86 of Scituate, Massachusetts, passed away on July 7th, 2019. She was born to the late William Byrne and Ellen “Nellie” Kennedy in Cork, Ireland, in 1933.

Phyl emigrated to the United States in 1957 where she married John Foley, also of Cork, in 1959 and raised her four children, Michael, Colleen, Liam, and Dennis. John Foley passed away from cancer in 1984; Dennis tragically lost his life in 1989.

That year, she moved back to Cork where she rekindled a relationship with her childhood sweetheart, James “Jim” Gannon, whom she eventually married. She enjoyed a wonderful, happy life with Jim for almost 20 years until his passing in 2008. It was at this time that she returned to the United States to live in Scituate to be near Colleen.

A 40+ year breast cancer survivor, Phyl was recognized by all as a fiercely independent and strong-willed person. Her life revolved around her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. To her children she was “Mum” and to her grandchildren (and many others) she was “Nana” or “Nan,” terms of endearment she treasured.

In her final years, Phyl was lovingly cared for by Colleen with gracious support from her husband, Vinnie Perri, and children, Mollie, Michaela, and Jay. Family and friends give all of them their greatest and warmest gratitude for the exceptional care they gave to Phyl toward the end of her life. 

Phyl requested that no wake or funeral be held. Instead, a memorial Mass will be held on August 10th At St. Mary of the Nativity Church, 1 Kent St., Scituate at 11 O’Clock, with a post-Mass lunch and remembrance in the church’s function hall. A private family service will be held at a later date for her interment with her son, Dennis.

Phyl is survived by her sons Michael and Liam, daughter Colleen, stepsons John, Denis and Gordon Gannon, and all of their families. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial gifts to the Lewy Body Dementia Association to honor Phyl’s memory. You can donate online at www.lbda.org/donate or mail checks payable to “Lewy Body Dementia Association” to LBDA, 912 Killian Hill Road SW, Lilburn, GA 30047. Please indicate in the note on the check or online that the donation is in the name of “Phyllis Foley”.

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