Mary Patricia Foley

Mary Patricia Foley (nee Quinlan), 89, passed away, peacefully, on Jan 31 at home, in Atlanta, GA surrounded by family. She was born in Radnor, PA - the fourth and youngest child of Frank and Bea Quinlan and nicknamed "Pinkey." Her mother died when she was less than a month old and she was raised by her grandparents and aunt. She attended St. Katharine's school in Wayne, Pa from 1st-12th grades where she excelled both as a student and at basketball.

She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Senior Health and Physical Education, from Westchester University in 1959. She was awarded the Valkyrie Scholarship during her Junior year; was co- captain of the 1959 basketball team and became the first female from West Chester to become a National rated Official. She maintained close, lifelong friendships with her Valkyrie sisters.

Pinkey's love of basketball continued after she married, moved to Bryn Mawr, Pa and had three children: Meg, John, and Michael. She continued to teach, referee and coach while raising her family. After her 22-year marriage ended, she returned to college and became a registered nurse. She was an original staff member of the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Washington DC starting as a Nurse Liaison eventually becoming Assistant Vice-President. After more than 30 years she retired to Atlanta. She became a member of St. Thomas More church and found a new family of friends and loved ones who were her community, comfort, and solace in her final decade. In her eighties she was assistant coach for Christ King School, eight grade boys' team. She will be loved and missed by many.

Her family was much larger than the traditional nuclear family. She is predeceased by her son John (Shelly) and beloved dog and "favorite child," Murphy. She is survived by her children Meg and Michael, her granddaughter Kierra Foley, Ted, Annette, and Drew Grauch, with whom she lived for the last decade of her life, Pamela and Nikolas Harbeson. She is remembered as a favorite aunt to nieces Anastacia Wood (Todd) and Anita Lerums, many nieces, nephews' grandnieces and grandnephew.

A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, February 10th, at 10am. At St. Thomas, More Church 636 W Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur, GA 30030.

A private Interment will be held at St. Denis Cemetery, PA in the Spring.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Saint Thomas More School fund.