Elizabeth “Betty” Foy, 84, of East Helena, passed away Sept. 15, 2012, from natural causes.
Betty was born Feb. 29, 1928 to Maurice and Esther (Fagan) Kelly in Butte. She always enjoyed saying she was “younger” than everyone else because her birthday came around only once every four years. She celebrated her 21st birthday this year with her closest family members and friends. She graduated from Butte High School in 1946, and she was a member of the National Honor Society. After high school, she attended St. James School of Nursing and received her nursing degree in 1949. She worked in various hospital positions throughout her life in Butte and Helena. Her specialty area was working with terminally ill patient on the night shift.
She married Thomas Joseph Foy on June 9, 1951 in Butte. Their daughter Mary Beth was born in 1952 and their son Thomas Patrick was born in 1953.
She celebrated life with much enthusiasm and intensity. She loved playing badminton with her grandchildren. She was very competitive and usually was triumphant in her favorite card games which were Hearts and Cribbage. She loved to challenge her niece and nephew in ping pong or Cribbage. She had a tremendous zest for life and an unwavering faith. She was active in church women united and St. Helena’s Cathedral scripture groups for many years.
She is survived by her daughter Mary Beth (Howard) Bergman of Great Falls; daughter-in-law Yvonne Brown Foy of Helena; sisters Dorothy (James) Quinn and Marjorie Keilman of East Helena; sister-in-law Mae Kelly of Albuquerque, NM; five grandchildren Mark, Sarah, Luke, Elaine, and Hannah; great grandchildren Alec, Ronin, Kathryn, and Landon; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband; son Tom Foy; infant daughter Caroline; brother Maurice James Kelly, brother-in-law Hal Keilman; and sister-in-laws Helen O’Brian and Rosie Foy.
Visitation for Betty will begin at 12 p.m., Friday, September 21 at Retz Funeral Home with a Vigil Service to follow at 6 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled at 11 a.m., Saturday, September 22 at the Cathedral of Saint Helena with interment to follow at Resurrection Cemetery. A reception will follow graveside services at the social hall at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave., Helena. Memorials in Betty’s name may be sent to Rocky Mountain Hospice, 1075 N. Rodney St., Ste. 102, Helena, MT 59601 or to that of donor’s choice. To offer a condolence or share a memory of Betty, please visit: www.retzfuneralhome.com.
Service Schedule
Vigil
6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Thursday September 20, 2012
Retz Funeral Home
315 East 6th Ave.
Helena , Montana 59601
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Friday September 21, 2012
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 North Ewing Street
Helena , Montana 59601
Graveside Service
12:30 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Friday September 21, 2012
Resurrection Cemetery
3700 North Montana Avenue
Helena , Montana 59602
Reception
1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Saturday September 22, 2012
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Reception Hall
3750 North Montana Ave.
Helena , Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Vigil
6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Thursday September 20, 2012
Retz Funeral Home
315 East 6th Ave.
Helena , Montana 59601
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Friday September 21, 2012
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 North Ewing Street
Helena , Montana 59601
Graveside Service
12:30 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Friday September 21, 2012
Resurrection Cemetery
3700 North Montana Avenue
Helena , Montana 59602
Reception
1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Saturday September 22, 2012
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Reception Hall
3750 North Montana Ave.
Helena , Montana 59602
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Laurie gigette McGrath says
My beautiful, fun neighbor on Benton Ave. you will be missed! Betty was such a wonderful lady. She loved her flowers, didn’t like the deer eating them and swore by little bags of Irish Spring soap to keep them away. We had many nice conversations, and grandchildren picture sharing. She especially loved St. Patrick’s Day and would always invite me over for a “toddy” and her special “cake’s”. My sympathies go out to her family, she loved you all very much. Bless you Betty.
Jeff Pedersen says
Dear Yvonne and family,
We were sorry to learn that your mother-in-law passed away. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. With deepest sympathy Jeff and Diane Pedersen
Kelly Keilman says
Such a nice write up…it really captured her spirit. I will really miss those card games with Aunt Betty at the holidays…my thoughts and love are with you Mary Beth and family.
Elaine and Ken Arrowood says
MaryBeth, Howard and family Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. God Bless
Lyle Bergman says
Mary Beth and family please accept my heartfelt sympathy on the passing of your mother. May you maintain hope for a brighter future through the sorrow. And may memories remain bright.
Thinking of you all.
Lyle B.
Lyle Bergman says
Thinking of You, Mary Beth & your family, On the Loss of Your Mother (Betty).
May the wonderful memories of your mother’s love be with you and comfort you at this time.
With Deepest Sympathy.