Helen B. Foley

Helen B. Foley, 95, of Lancaster, PA, passed away on Thursday, October 2,

2014.  Born in Columbus, Ohio, Helen was the daughter of the late Anthony John and Alice Gertrude Betts.

Before her marriage Helen worked for the Commerce Department, Office of Inter-American Affairs, in Washington, DC.

Helen and her late husband Jim had seven children:  Helen Cecelia, Christine Anne, James Joseph, Patricia Eugenie, Richard Anthony, Maura Jean, and Gerard Thomas (Jerry); seven grandchildren:  James, Anthony, Vanessa, Mike, Brian, Jason, and Jennifer; and five great-grandchildren:  Sophia, Giana, Natalie, Madison, and Jayla.  All of her children, as well as their spouses and friends, treated her like the jewel that she was.

A self-taught watercolorist, Helen also was an avid reader, particularly of literary fiction.  She had a lively intellectual curiosity and a wonderful wit.  Helen was well versed in the issues of the day.  She felt it her duty to defend those less fortunate and to contribute to their well-being, something she taught all her children when they were quite young.  She was a faithful letter writer, believing that a handwritten letter was worth the time, and that it was important to let people know you were thinking of them.

She was known for her kindness to others and for her excellent sense of style.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a Memorial Service on Wednesday, October 8, 2014, at 11:00 AM at the Richard A. Sheetz Funeral Home, 2024 Marietta Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17603.  A visitation will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service.  In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Foundation.