Patricia Carol Foley

Patricia Carol Foley (nee Palbicke), long-time resident of Waukegan, Illinois was born to eternal life on May 15, 2021, in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin at 88 years of age.

Pat was born in Waukegan, Illinois on November 15, 1932. She graduated from Waukegan Township High School in Waukegan, Illinois. She received her Bachelor of Science degree (mathematics) from the University of Illinois and a Master of Arts degree (mathematics) from Northwestern University. In her nearly 40-year career, Pat taught mathematics to countless students at Zion Benton, Waukegan, and Lake Forest High Schools.

Pat was a tireless supporter of, and volunteer to, the Waukegan community. She served as a Waukegan Park District Commissioner for 11 years. She held roles of President, Vice President, and Treasurer. She championed the SportsPark, the indoor Aquatics Center as well as the Administrative Center, Clearview, and Corrine J. Rose Park renovations. Pat served on the Waukegan District 60 School Board for 16 years including many years as President. She sang for decades in the Waukegan Concert Chorus and the St. Anastasia Choir and was a key supporter of the annual Joseph A. Favero Memorial Do It Yourself Messiah. She was a board member of Concert Call and led several fundraising efforts for the Waukegan Symphony Orchestra and Concert Chorus. Pat was a longtime member of the Waukegan Exchange Club and she received the club’s highest honor, the Golden Deeds Award. In addition to playing piano, Pat was an avid gardener. Her love of teaching resulted in her sharing her extensive knowledge of plants with others. She was a University of Illinois Extension Service Master Gardener. Pat touched countless lives during her lifetime of service to Waukegan and its families.

She is survived by her son, Christopher M. (Rory) Foley, two grandchildren, John Murphy Foley, and Fletcher Donnelly Foley of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, her brother Anthony P. “Bud” (Patricia) Palbicke, her nephew, Anthony P. (Nancy) Palbicke, and her nieces Anne Marie (Tim) Loftus and Margaret Palbicke. Pat was preceded in death by her father (Anthony P. Palbicke) and her mother (Angeline M. Palbicke).

Visitation on Thursday, June 10, 2021, at St. Anastasia Church, 624 Douglas Avenue, Waukegan, Illinois at 9:30 AM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM. Interment to follow at Ascension Cemetery in Libertyville, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers donations in her memory may be made to the Association for Women in Mathematics, the American Cancer Society, or your favorite charity.