DEERFIELD — Elaine (Hodge) Foley joined the company of her heavenly family on July 28, 2013, after a brief illness and stay at the Ebeid Hospice Center in Sylvania, Ohio.
Elaine was born and raised in New London, Conn., on February 4, 1940, and was an active participant in the Girl Scouts of America, both as a child then as a Team Leader. In 1961, Elaine married the love of her life, Captain Jerome “Jerry” P. Foley. They recently celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary. Elaine was a proud Coast Guard wife and more importantly, a mother of 5 children. She always dedicated her life to her faith and her family and as such has an extensive list of those that she loved and cared for and those that loved her, many considering her as a second mother.
Elaine received a degree in pastoral ministry in 1985 and was an active church member and spiritual support for family and friends. Her generosity of spirit, loving heart and constant counselor of others was her strongest attribute.
Elaine was pre-deceased by an infant daughter, Mary Elizabeth, her parents, Mary and Gerville Hodge of New London, Conn.; and her beloved siblings, Diana Trundle of Santa Barbara, Calif., and Ron Hodge of Bismark, ND.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Captain Jerome Foley (USCG Ret.); her children, Stephen (Karen) of Strongsville, Ohio, Christine (Lori) of Cleveland, Ohio, Michael of Toledo, Ohio, Cathleen Steirer (Andrew) of Sylvania, Ohio and Sean (Ariela) of Ridgefield Park, NJ; and five grandchildren, Matthew, Jacob and Nathan Foley of Strongsville, Ohio, and Samantha and Benjamin Steirer of Sylvania, Ohio. There will be a visitation from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Light of Christ Church, Deerfield, on Thursday, August 1, 2013, followed immediately by the Funeral Mass, with Rev. Russ Lowe as celebrant. Elaine will return to her hometown of New London, Conn., to be buried in a private ceremony at St. Mary’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Cherry Street Mission, the Salvation Army or Ebeid Hospice. Envelopes will be available at the church. Online condolences to the family are welcomed at www.WagleyFuneralHome.com